Russell Johnson

Russell D. Johnson, 73, of Aurora, passed away on Friday, July 1, 2011, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 19, 1938, in Iron Mountain, son of the late Carl Elmer and Alice (Olson) Johnson. He was raised in the Homestead-Aurora area, where he was a lifelong resident. He married Mary Tedeschi on Oct. 12, 1963, in Iron Mountain at the St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church, and together they shared nearly 48 wonderful years. Russell worked as a self-employed logger and mechanic until his retirement. He loved his family, attending his grandkids events, and spending time at his camp, "Camp 66." He owned and operated the Phillips 66 Station and the Green-line North Store in Aurora. Russell had been the past chairman of the board of health, past chairman of the human services board, and the past chairman of the highway department. He served on the Florence County Board for six years, the social services/human services board for 12 years, and was the chairman of the Aurora Centennial Committee. He currently was a supervisor for the Town of Aurora a position he held for six years and president of the Aurora Sanitary District for 30 years. He was a founding member of the Aurora Rescue Squad and served for more than 36 years, many years as president and was one of the founders of the Aurora Mudd Run. He was also involved the Aurora Parks and Recreation Department, a member of the Florence County Chamber of Commerce, a promoter of the Florence County Fair, where he had been exhibiting his antique tractors for many years and was currently president of the Northwood's Antique Tractor Club. He became interested in antique tractors when he was diagnosed with leukemia 24 years ago when the doctor told him to "take it easy." He got an old tractor that he could work on in his leisure hours and between his many rests. He was known to all as the "Tractor Doctor." Russell is survived by his loving wife of nearly 48 years, Mary Johnson of Aurora; his children, Lisa (Joseph) Witynski of Florence, Wis., Sherry (Joseph) Schomer of Aurora, and Scott (Beth) Johnson of Aurora; grandchildren, DoriAnne (Matthew) Brooks, Andrew Vassar, Josh Schomer, Stacy (Ryan) Erkkila, Benjamin Johnson; sister, Jeanne (Dan) Nixon of Naples, Fla.; brother, Kenneth "Butch" (Kay) Johnson of Niagara, Wis.; special family members, Faith VanGoethem, Rudy Vassar and family; brother-in-law, Tom (Karen) Tedeschi of Green Bay, Wis.; many nieces, nephews, and special friends. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. The funeral service will follow at 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Doug Johnson will officiate. Burial will be in the Homestead-Aurora Cemetery. Condolences to the family of Russell D. Johnson may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home with the funeral arrangements. Russ fought a valiant fight against leukemia for nearly 24 years, his wish for others would be to donate blood so that their gift of life can benefit others fighting battles such as his.

Russell Johnson

July 1, 1938 - July 1, 2011