Obituary of Erik Johnson

Erik C. Johnson of Arriba, Colorado passed away Friday, April 7, 2006 in Denver, Colorado. On June 20, 1922 Erik was born at home near Harrisburg, Colorado to Christ and Marie (Larsen) Johnson. Erik grew up on the family farm with his two sisters and four brothers. He attended school until the eighth grade at Harrisburg, Colorado and later obtained his GED. He then worked for Carl King on Carl’s farm, was a substitute mail carrier and worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp. On October 8, 1942 he joined the United States Army to serve his country during World War II. Erik was stationed in Alaska where he was a truck driver and duty soldier with Company C, 477th Quartermaster Regiment where he helped build the Alkin Highway. While in the army he received the American Theater Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Erik was honorably discharged on December 5, 1945. In 1947 Erik began working for the Colorado Department of Transportation doing Highway Maintenance. He retired after thirty five years on March 31, 1982 as a Junior Foreman. Erik married Ida M. Hoffman on April 20, 1952 in Anton, Colorado. To this union five children were born. Erik was a faithful member of the First Congregational Church of Arriba where he enjoyed singing in the men’s church choir and the weekly Bible studies. He was a member of the American Legion, and the Arriba Lions Club. Erik enjoyed attending auctions, working on projects in his garage, watching baseball and football games, drinking coffee at the local coffee shop, traveling and eating ice cream. Preceding Erik in death was his wife, parents, an infant brother and his brother, Carl Johnson. Erik is survived by his children and their spouses, Pam and Mike Koehn, Jill Johnson, Tim Johnson and partner Justin Swanstrom, Tony Johnson and fiancé Lori Blake, Robin and Rick Clark. Four grandchildren Rick Johnson, Jeff Clark, Greg Clark and Danielle Johnson. Two sisters Clara Marick, and Eleonora Nelson, three brothers Holger and wife Wilma Johnson, Harold and wife Doris Johnson, Harry and wife Jerry Johnson and one sister-in-law Betty Hendrich. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and many friends. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in Arriba, Colorado with Pastor Bob Strauch officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Arriba Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 11, 2006 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Love Funeral Home in Limon. Memorials are suggested to the Arriba First Congregational Church 220 Curtis Street Arriba, CO 80804 or the Flagler Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 101, Flagler, CO 80815.