Pastor Johnson

Pastor Neal S. Johnson, 92, of Kerrville, Texas left this life to begin eternal life with his Savior, Lord Jesus Christ on August 24, 2013. Neal was born on May 17, 1921 in Red Wing, MN, the second son of Silas and Hazel Johnson. His childhood and youth were spent on his fathers farm near Bay City, WI.

Vocally gifted, Neal sang solos at an early age, and later was a member of a male quartet that had command appearances in Minneapolis, Rochester and Chicago. Neals education began in a rural oneroom school called Forest Home. High school followed at Ellsworth, WI, with graduation as valedictorian in 19. Because of a serious childhood illness, he was unable to serve in World War II. His love of music led him to St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN where he sang in the worldrenowned St. Olaf Choir. On June 29, 1946, Neal married his college sweetheart, Evelyn Ruth Wilson, in a candlelit service in Crookston, MN. He received his theological training at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN and was ordained on June 8, 1947.

Pastor Neal served seven congregations during his ministry: Immanuel, Bethel and North Prairie at Scarville, IA Trinity Lutheran in Park Forest, IL Red Oak Grove Lutheran in Austin, MN Good Shepherd Lutheran in Houston, TX and Morningside Lutheran in Sioux City, IA. He also served as an area Stewardship Director of the American Lutheran Church while living in Dallas, TX, and Assistant to the Stewardship Director of the ALC in Minneapolis, MN for a total of 11 years.

After retirement in 1986, Pastor Neal continued his ministry as ation Pastor at Zion Lutheran Church, Kerrville, TX. He enjoyed golf, baseball, singing, telling humorous stories, writing poetry and choir anthems, drawing, traveling, and gardening.

Both Neals parents, brother Bernard and sister Lenore preceded him in death.
Those left to celebrate his life include Evelyn, his loving wife of 67 years daughter, Judy Johnson of Kerrville, TX son, Mark Johnson and wife Heidi from Lake Jackson, TX grandchildren, Rebecca Smith of Minneapolis, MN, Matthew Smith and wife Irma of Carrollton, TX, Carly Johnson of Lake Jackson, TX, Whitney Johnson of Palo Alto, CA, Lyndsey Johnson of San Antonio, TX, and greatgrandchild Evelyn Smith of Carrollton, TX.

A Celebration of his life will be held 4:00 PM, Saturday, September 7, 2013 at Zion Lutheran Church.

Memorials may be given in lieu of flowers to Zion Lutheran Building Fund, 624 Barnett, Kerrville, TX 78028.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home.
830 8955111

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