Nestor Evald Johnson

Nestor "Popeye" Evald Johnson, 87, of Mahtowa, died Saturday, February 17, 2007. He was born December 17, 1919 in Mahtowa to Joseph and Marie Johnson. An honor graduate of the 1937 Barnum High School class and a local business man of 50 years, Popeye purchased a lumber yard and grocery store with delivery routes in 1939, as his first business. In 1959, he founded The Mahtowa Gas Company and operated the business for 30 years, serving over 3,000 customers. A lifelong member of Salem Lutheran Church, Popeye was an outstanding husband, father, grandfather and friend. Nestor was preceded in death by his brothers, Roy, Elmer and Melvin; and sisters, Ruth, Helen and Evelyn. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Iris; children, Mary Raye (Richard) LeClerc of Mankato, Marcia (Dr. Vincent) Genua of Plymouth, Mass., Michele (Thomas) Krenn of Minneapolis, Glenda (Dr. Douglas) Bauer of Apple Valley, Michael (Jacqueline) Johnson of Miami, Fl., and Neil (Kathleen) Johnson of Cloquet; sister, Arlene of Eugene, Oregon.; grandchildren, Anthony, Kristina, Mark, David, Mari, Brynn, Jacob, Heather, Lindsay, Zach, and Melissa; three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. The family wishes to thank the staff of St. Eligius Health Center in Duluth for their loving care. Funeral services were held on Thursday, February 22, 2007 in Salem Lutheran Church in Mahtowa with Pastor Karen Linne officiating. Burial in Mount Salem Cemetery in Mahtowa. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Salem Lutheran Church. Arrangements entrusted to Northland Funeral Home in Cloquet.