Lynn Arlen Johnson was born Nov. 9, 1938, in Loveland, Colo., and departed this life on Nov. 29, 2023, at his home surrounded by family and his precious dog, Snookie.
Lynn was the youngest of five children born to Floyd and Hazel (Williams) Johnson.
In 1943 the family moved from Loveland, Colo., to Longmont, Colo., to pursue farming. The family moved in 1947 to Oberlin to a farm northeast of Oberlin. His education began at Saint Varian in Longmont.
After moving to the Oberlin area, Lynn attended Sunny Slope country school until eighth grade graduation. In 1952 he attended DCHS and graduated as a Red Devil in 1956.
After graduation, he spent a summer on a harvest crew that traveled from Cherokee, Okla., to Mohall, N.D. Upon returning, he was employed at Don’s Supermarket for 13 years.
Lynn wed Roberta Wurm on Sept. 27, 1959, at St. John’s Lutheran in Oberlin and were married for 61 years before Roberta’s passing. Before marrying, he completed the confirmation classes and was baptized. He was very involved over the years at St. John’s serving as a Sunday school teacher, church council board member, and elder. His walk with Christ deepened greatly in his final years. He enjoyed daily devotions with his caregiver, Chantelle, and openly spoke of his faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Lynn and Roberta were blessed with two daughters, Sherri in 1962, and Shelli in 1965. For 16 years the young family enjoyed life on a farm in Harlan Township. Some of Lynn’s favorite days were working the soil, harvesting the wheat, raising cattle, horses and hogs. He especially embraced his neighbors and built lifelong friendships.
In 1985, they sold their farm, obtained real estate licenses and were employed by Farm and Ranch Realty. Lynn was the top land salesperson for several years in a row. Johnson Reality was established on Main Street of Oberlin in 1991. They maintained a very successful business selling land and houses until their retirement in 2020.
Lynn enjoyed so many things throughout his 85 years. He was known to have nine lives, as he survived many life-threatening accidents and health issues. He loved people, gardening, long drives in the country, rodeos and horses. He loved visiting with longtime friends, having a cold one and corny jokes. But most of all, he cherished his family and good friends. Lynn was blessed with a huge 85th birthday celebration 20 days before passing. Family and friends rallied around him expressing their love and friendships. Lynn was indeed a man who left a legacy that impacted so many.
He is survived by two daughters and two sons in laws: Sherri and Terry Ramsey of Derby, and Shelli and Jay Fortin of Oberlin; four grandchildren: Josh and Lisa Fortin, Jacob and Mika Fortin, Bryson and Megan, and Bryanna Ramsey; eight great-grandchildren: Brody, Aubree, Lane, Kasen, Kruze, Olivia, Jovi, Demi; sister in law: Jackie Votapka of Clifton; Chantelle Fortin, primary caregiver and a team of outstanding caregivers: Diana, Jessica, Kristin, Mary Jane, Gabbie, Gracie, Karina, and Megan. Lynn was preceded in death by his parents: Floyd and Hazel; wife: Roberta; brothers: Lowell and Lyle; sisters: Alice Capps and infant Ardis Johnson; brother-in-law: Vidal Capps and Neil Votapka; niece: Kimberly Capps-Gautier; and parents in law: Bob and Merna Wurm.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Oberlin. Visitation will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin.
Family will receive guests from 5 to 7 p.m. Burial will be in Oberlin Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Decatur County Museum, or the Oberlin Dog Park. Condolences can be left at www.paulsfh.com.