Carl Johnson

Carlton Eugene Johnson, 52, of Ottertail, died Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at Perham Memorial Hospital.

Carl was born in Wagner, Okla., the son of John and Martha (Harp) Johnson. Carl’s father was in the military, so the family moved around the country quite a bit. Carl graduated from high school in Wichita, Kan. in 1975 and technical college in Wichita in 1980. He worked for Instrument Flight Research and built the microwave landing system used by the space shuttle. On July 27, 1991, he was married to Julie Wesp in Wichita, Kan. In 1994, he and Julie moved to Ottertail, where the opened a bakery where he worked in the summers. He drove trucks for potato and sugar beet growers in the fall and winter months. He enjoyed making and collecting pocket knives.

Memorial services were held Wednesday, Nov. 4, at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Ottertail with the Rev. Karl Weber officiating. Music was provided by Mary Weber, organist, and Laurie Zelinsky, vocalist. Honorary pallbearers were considered to be all of Carl and Julie’s friends. Carl’s cremated remains will be interred at the El Paso Cemetery in Derby, Kan.

Survivors include his wife, Julie; mother, Maratha Johnson; sisters, Claudia and Maria; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father; step-father; and a brother, John.