Warren B. Johnson

Funeral services, following MN St. Covid Guidelines, for Warren Johnson of Roseau will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 11 AM at Our Redeemers Lutheran Church in Badger.  A public graveside service with Military Honors will be at 12:30 PM Wednesday at Spruce Cemetery in Roseau.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Spruce Cemetery or Our Redeemers Lutheran Church or the Roseau Veterans Service Fund.  He passed away November 5, 2020 at Essentia Health Hospital in Fargo, ND at the age of 70.

Warren Bradley Johnson was born on June 27th, 1950 and was the second son born to Cordie and Stella (Lien) Johnson.  Warren loved his big brother, Clark and was often sad when Clark would get to go to school and he would have to stay home with the dog.  Warren spent a lot of time with his mom helping at home and working in the store, while his Dad was working the railroad. He grew up living in Badger, as well as living on the family farm.  Every year, Stella would make Warren’s birthday special, by taking his photo by her favorite peony bush.  He was a Badger Rocket for life and played several sports throughout his high school career.  After graduation, Warren went to Waldorf College in Iowa to play college football.  After college, he enlisted in the US Navy and was stationed in San Diego, California.  Over the next 4 years, he served on the USS Orion and the USS Laffy on the east coast of the US and east coast of South America. One of his memories was of his ship being docked in Cuba during Fidel Castro’s reign.   He was honorably discharge in 1974.

After returning home from the service, Warren went to work with his dad on the Railroad.  Warren had a varied 33-year Railroad career that took him all over the upper Midwest and he made many friends over the years.

In 1979, Warren met the love of his life, Naomi Jenson, and they were married in 1980.  Although they were only given 3 years of time together before her illness, his love never faltered and he lovingly stayed by her side until her passing in 2014. In those years he was always a strong part of each generation of new family members that all very lovingly called him "Pappa". Warren loved Christmas with the family.  He was very well known for his elaborate gifts at times that took a ton of "Warren" imagination and certainly depicted the "recipients of that years" personality well!  He was a lover of the children and took great interest in each one of them.  We could go on and on. He was one of Jason’s heroes and he wants everyone to know how dedicated Warren was to their mom.

Warren was a lifelong member of Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Badger.  He attended the Monthly Men’s Breakfast at First United.  He was an active Eagles member for many years.  He was currently a member of the Roseau American Legion, 40 et 8 organization, and an active member of the Roseau Memorial Honor Guard.  Warren’s heart belonged to his fellow veterans and he took great pride in his service to his country.

Over the last 3 years, Warren spent a lot of time with his sweetheart, Lesa Schmechel and her family. He enjoyed spending time with her daughters and especially his new little dude/friend, Gavin Schmechel.  We hope we brought him some added joy to his life these past 3 years.

Warren is survived by his brother Clark (Karen) Johnson of St. Louis Park, Mn; nephew Scott (Jen)Johnson and family, St Anthony, MN and nephew Ryan (Katie) Johnson Maple Plain. MN and family, and cousins: Dennis Olson and family- Badger, Bruce Olson -Badger, and Kirby (Judy) Olson and family - Bemidji and Shirley and Doris Burton of Moorhead. 

Warren is also Survived by his step-children Julie Wellen-Little Falls, MN, Cindy Butler-Karlstad, MN, Kelly (Steve)Solom-Roseau, Mn, Brian Hetteen-Hendersonville, NC, Heidi (Jim)Carlson-Roseau, Mn and Jason (Jenny)Tangen -Roseau, MN.  He is also survived by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren.

May God Bless his memory.

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