Norman Arvid Johnson

His parents (deceased), were Arvid and Selma Anderson Johnson. He was born the last of five brothers (deceased), Henry, Howard, Robert, Carl and Harold. He was also predeceased by his sister Helen Stewart.

Rusty's father died when he was 9, leaving his widow Selma to raise small children, as the others were gone and away from home then. Most of his school years were in Anoka, MN. As so many children of that generation, Rusty worked at a variety of jobs to help his mother with this burden. He delivered papers. He worked with older brothers in the lime field. He learned to drive truck at a tender age. He also delivered milk to homes, etc.

He was in the motor pool in the Army Air Force, and continued his trucking in the Minneapolis-St.Paul area, where he belonged to the Teamster Union. He later began long haul trucking with his own truck and then later with his brother Harold, to all points of the United States.

He moved to Washington in approximately 1950 - 1951. He met and married the former Irene Markee of Redmond. They recently observed their 61st anniversary in April. Their early marriage was a period of disruption due to an accident that left both seriously injured. But after a time of recovery, Norman was anxious to resume trucking....working at Boeing in the motor pool, then on to other trucking companies. At the time in the 50's and on, he worked for Reliable, Consolidated Freightways, Lasme and Time D.C., as well as Roadway. He belonged to the Teamsters in Seattle and Portland and went by the CB handle Rusty.

He was a great Father to his four daughters. Brenda (James) Secor of Coos Bay, Oregon. Paula (John) Nelson of Mill Creek. Helen Anita (Mike) Kiely of Tonasket and Colleen (Jeff) Riedlinger of Eniat.

He was a loving and stead fast friend to his wife and helpmate, Irene. He worked long and hard hours for his family's needs.

He is also survived by his sister Margaret (Earl) Brooks of Calabasas, California. Seven grandchildren, Jason Kelly, Alisha Kane, Patrick Kelly Secor, Shaina and Kayla Kiely, Sarah Riedlinger Tombley and Carly Riedlinger Bartlett. He was also survived by seven great grandchildren. Lea and Cassey Dzienius, Jalen Kiely, Angelique Kiely-Butterfield, Liam Kiely, Kenzi Bartlett and Gracie Bartlett.

He passed with his wishes fulfilled, in the arms of his wife and his daughters at his bedside.