Elvern O. Johnson

It is with both joy and sorrow that we share the passing of Elvern Orville Johnson from this life into the next. He passed away peacefully at home on May 16, 2025. Our husband, father, grandfather, and brother will be missed.

Elvern Orville (“Al”) Johnson was born on October 14, 1944 in Willmar, Minnesota to Esther and Chester (“Chet”) Johnson. He grew up on the family farm with his brother Roger and sister Merit (Nelson). In December 1966, he met Cynthia Kay Finkle. Both were attending Minnesota Business College and they met at the bowling alley. They were married just four weeks later on January 28, 1967. Al’s work for IBM led them to relocate to San Jose CA before making their forever home in Longmont CO. Al and Cindy raised three children: Ryan Roger, Heather Rae, and Jessica Rae, in Longmont. He was a proud father and loyal fan of the Niwot High School Cougars.

Al enjoyed hunting with his friends, son, and grandson. He loved golf and in his retirement visited courses from Mesquite to Palm Springs to St. Andrews with Cindy and friends. Al delighted in his seven grandchildren and spent hours sitting behind the backstop or on the sidelines for games, matches, and meets, as well as attending music concerts and art displays. He was a faithful member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir. He was our handyman, always at the ready to fix leaky sinks or help with home improvements and auto repairs. He was a gentle soul with a quirky sense of humor.

He is survived by wife Cynthia Kay (Finkle); sister Marit Nelson; son Ryan Roger (Leanne); daughters Heather Rae Rumrey (Matthew) and Jessica Rae Edstrom (Jon-Kristian); grandchildren Maddison Rae, Hayden Matthew, Gunnar Joseph, Anders Ryan, Erik David, Jacob Ryan, and Isaac Kristian. He is preceded in death by his parents Chester Johnson and Esther Johnson (Abrahamson), and brother Roger Johnson.

A funeral service for Al will be held Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 803 3rd Avenue, Longmont CO. Memorial contributions may be made to First Evangelical Lutheran Church, and/or to Lutheran World Relief using the links provided below. We are thankful for the love and support of so many family and friends during this time of grieving and celebration.