John A. Johnson, 71, of 122 N. Curry St., Ironwood, died Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007, in Ironwood, surrounded by his loving family, following a lengthy, courageous battle with cancer. He was born Jan. 7, 1936, in Ironwood, son of the late George and Sophie (Perhaska) Johnson, and attended the A.L. Norrie Grade School and Luther L. Wright High School. John was employed by the Ahonen Lumber Co. in Ironwood for 14 years, Connor Land and Lumber Co. in Wakefield for 30 years, and retired from Action Floors in Mercer in 1997. He loved music and playing the guitar and accordian, and was a member of the Northwind Band in Ironwood. He also enjoyed hunting with his brother and nephews. John was a joyful, happy man who loved children and his family. He will be deeply missed. On Sept. 19, 1964, he was married to the former Lydia A. Minier at Zion Lutheran Church in Ironwood by the Rev. Schultz. She survives. Also surviving are two brothers, George (Bonnie), Minneapolis, and Eugene (Mamie), Ironwood; a sister, Laura (Floyd) Lindahl, Minneapolis; and numerous nieces, nephews, and brothers-and-sisters-in-law. Besides his parents, John was preceded in death by a brother Robert in infancy; and three sisters, Florence Johnson in infancy, Vicky Rivera, and Betty Oja. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Oct. 2, at 11 a.m., at Good Shepherd Community Apostolic Lutheran Church in Kimball, with the Rev. Norman Kangas officiating. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood. Luncheon will be served in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service. Relatives and friends may call at the church beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Pallbearers will be Gary, Dan, Matt and Ben Oja, Walt Maki, and Chad Walter. Condolences may be expressed online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com. McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home Inc., Ironwood, is in charge of the arrangements.