Age 87
Passed away on March 17, 2024 at the Trinity Care Center, Farmington, MN.
Charles was born on the Johnson Family Farm Kenyon, MN on February 13, 1937, the son of Joseph and Marie (Dale) Johnson. Charles was baptized and confirmed at Hegre Lutheran Church. On July 3, 1965. Charles married Joyce Ranum at Perry Lutheran Church, Daleyville, WS.
Charles attended the Skyberg Country School and graduated from Kenyon High School in 1955. He joined the University of Minnesota’s Navy ROTC program, graduating in 1959. Charles served his country as a career Marine Corp officer including two tours in Vietnam, 1st as the Commander of a 155mm Howitzer Battery in the Chu Li area. His 2nd tour he served as a press briefer for General Abrams (COMUSMACV) at the Military Headquarters in Saigon, Vietnam. In the early 1970’s he teamed with a civilian historian and co-authored the book, “U.S. MARINES IN VIETNAM, The Landing and Build Up, 1965.”
Some of Lt/ Col Johnson’s personal medals/commendations include: Two Bronze Stars each with Combat “V”, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Expert Rifle and Pistol Badges. Charles retired from the Marine Corps in 1979.
Following his military retirement, Charles returned to Kenyon and farmed with his Dad and also worked as an electronics technician. During his retirement years, Charles and Joyce spent their winters in the Kissimmee, Florida where he enjoyed golfing and working as a tax consultant for H&R Block.
He is survived by his son, James Charles (Betsy) of Brooksville, FL and daughter, Kari Joy (Stephen Winters) of Inver Grove Heights, MN. He is also survived by his brother, Col. Richard Johnson USMC (Laura) of Red Wing, MN; sisters, Mary Stephenson (Glenn) of Solomons, MD and JoAnn Porter (Leonard) of Chesapeake, VA.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; parents, Joseph and Marie; brother, James Paul; and brothers-in-law, Colonel Leonard Porter, USMC and 1st LT. Glenn Stephenson, USMC.
A joint Celebration of Life for both Charles and Joyce will be announced at a future date.