Joel Arthur Johnson

Joel Johnson, age 58, a resident of rural Underwood, MN, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, November 9, 2012 at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls, MN. He was surrounded by his family. Joel Arthur Johnson was born on August 14, 1954 to Gerald L. and Lorraine I. (Grandlund) Johnson in Breckenridge, MN. He attended school in Wahpeton, ND and graduated in 1972. During high school he was active in swimming and football. Joel worked for the rail road, 3M, and for Otter Tail Power for some time. During his years in Wahpeton, he proudly served on the volunteer fire department and later became an honorary member of the department. For the past 23 years, he worked at West Central Turkey Plant in Pelican Rapids as a data system analyst. He loved his work and the people he worked with. He never claimed to take a break, he got recess and play time with his co-workers. One night at Karaoke, he met the love of his life Vickey Maahs. They were married on March 11, 2003. Joel loved living in the country and appreciated God's beauty and would often photograph it. He had a love for the water, being the lake or ocean. While he grew up and throughout his life, he enjoyed family gatherings on Otter Tail Lake. He was a die hard Minnesota Vikings Fan. He would say, "no matter if they win or lose, they are the most entertaining team in the NFL." He was also a proud American who honored his country by flying the American Flag. Joel made a special effort everyday to make his wife Vickey laugh. Even though he wasn't a church going member, he prayed everyday at the same time for the people he loved and cared for. Joel is survived by his wife, Vickey, Underwood, MN; two sons, father and mother-in-law, Bud and Shirley Maahs, Detroit Lakes, MN, two brothers Gregory (Gloria) Johnson, Bismarck, ND, Dale (Geri) Johnson, Lakeville, MN, five sisters-in-law and their spouses, and numerous nieces and nephews who were so special to him. Joel was preceded in death by one son, his parents, and brother-in-law Brad Gilbert.Service: Private Family Services will be held Funeral Home: Larson Funeral Home, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota