C. Devere Johnson passed away at the age of 83 on January 10, 2018 at the Hospice Cottage in Luverne, MN.
Devere came into this world on February 22, 1934, sharing a birthday with one of our Nation’s greats, George Washington.
Devere is the oldest of six children, born to farmers, Cecil and Lorraine, and grew up in Round Lake, MN.
He could recall childhood memories such as finding a lamb still alive in a snow bank after a blizzard, his grand champion calf, his painted Indian pony he trained, raising livestock and farrowing pigs, and how the school library had trouble keeping him supplied in reading material.
He graduated from Round Lake as co-valedictorian of his class in 1952. He attended Worthington Community College, graduating with honors after taking almost every class they offered; plus playing in every sport in its season. It was during his college years he met his future wife, Kaye Redenbaugh.
In 1955, Devere entered the Air Force Aviation Cadet program; stationed at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Moving on to propeller pilot training in Bainbridge, Georgia and jet training at Bryan Air Force Base, Texas, Devere flew jets in the U.S. Air Force and the Sioux Falls Air National Guard. During this time, he played for the Air Force Base basketball team. Devere proposed marriage to Kaye by long-distance collect telephone from Georgia in the fall of 1956.
After three years in the Air Force, Devere returned home in April of 1957 and started his career at the Round Lake bank. Devere and Kaye were married on July 7, 1957, literally the hottest day of that year which pre-dated central air conditioning! They bought the oldest house in Round Lake. He worked in banking and insurance for the next 37 years.
As a young businessman, Devere helped to structure the Round Lake Commercial and Community Club. He served 20 years on the Friends of Worthington Community College Foundation Board, and officiated high school football and boys and girls basketball for nearly 20 years. Devere and Kaye raised three children, Wade, Paula, and Darrin and are the proud grandparents of 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Devere loved golf and was Club Champion at Worthington four times (1967, 1970, 1980, and 1990) and Lake Park, IA four times (1974, 1975, 1976, and 1984). Devere and Kaye were also Husband and Wife Champions many times at both courses.
He loved to watch every sport on TV, and spent many years following his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren watching them play. He was a forever fan of the Gophers, Wild, Twins, Lynx, Timberwolves, and Vikings.
Devere is survived by his wife of 60 years Kaye (Redenbaugh) of Luverne; son Wade (Joan) of Lake Benton, daughter Paula (Mike) Lammert of Luverne, and son Darrin (Sarah) of Mankato. Grandchildren and great grandchildren Aaron (Rachel), Landyn, Lane and Lawson Johnson, Cole (Brandi), Easton, and Allie Johnson, Tonya (Brady) Onnen, Jessica (Mike), Sophia, and Christian Jensen, Sherry (Andy), Nora, Ben, and Luke Diller, Erin (Matt), Kaitlyn, and Carter Brown, Eric (Amanda) Lammert, Dan (Ashley), Ayla, and Adyth Park, Chelsea (Nick), and Ezra Perret, Cheyenne Johnson (Remy) Corso, Dakota Johnson and Tanner Johnson. Siblings: Alan S. (Fran) Johnson, Tom (Becky) Johnson, Jan Lennon, Jil (Bruce) Clarkson, Andrew (Monica) Johnson, brother-in-law Wayne Redenbaugh of Idaho, special cousin Dorothy Osland, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Lorraine Johnson.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, January 26, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church in Round Lake, MN, with Pastor Robert Bartlett officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Round Lake Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2018, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Benson Funeral Home in Worthington.
Benson Funeral Home is coordinating the arrangements.
Thank You for many acts of kindness, messages of sympathy, and support. It is deeply appreciated and will always be remembered.
Previous Events
Visitation
25
Jan
1225 Ryans Road
Worthington, MN 56187
Service
26
Jan
301 Rohrer St
Round Lake, MN 56167
