Roger Johnson was born in Howard County, Iowa, and grew up just next door to the Saude Lutheran Church. He grew up with five siblings. Being the oldest of the Johnson children, Roger finished school through eighth grade and then went to work on the farm with his family. Later Roger earned his GED and for more than 20 years worked in the management of the hydraulic department at Oliver, which manufactured Oliver tractors. “I worked for Oliver for several years and then moved on to supervise at Terex Crane Manufacturing in Waverly for more than 20 years. Those were busy jobs, but I enjoyed it.”
Roger married Thelma at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton and together they raised a daughter, Jennifer, and a son, Christopher. “My daughter is a registered nursed and my son is the director of Vesterheim in Decorah,” says Roger. “A good education is important, and both my kids went to Luther College. I also have several wonderful grandkids.” Thelma and Roger liked to travel and especially liked to visit their niece in Colorado. “We did a lot of fishing on the Mississippi River too,” says Roger. “Thelma didn’t fish when we met, but she got the hang of it and, boy, she could really set the hook!”
Being 100% Norwegian, Roger says he and Thelma rolled a lot of lefse in their lives. When asked what his favorite food was, he replied, “I’m a Norwegian! I eat about everything – bring it and I’ll try it!” Roger spent many hours wood working and he’s made furniture that is at Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum, along with other projects in area churches. “My mother told me they needed the baptismal font fixed in the Saude Church and even though I didn’t belong there anymore, I fixed it. When you got a job from your mother, you do it!” he laughed.
Roger spent many years singing tenor in the gospel choir of his church in New Hampton, Iowa. “Oh Yes, Oh Yes, I’m A Child Of The King” is his favorite hymn and it brought back memories. “We used to sing in the women’s and men’s prisons,” says Roger. “It was quite an experience, until Covid hit and then it all stopped. You know those folks made a mistake and that’s the reason they were in prison, but you got to give them the benefit of the doubt and try to help. I enjoyed singing there.”
Roger also spent five years serving in the armed forces for the United States. “I was in the reserve for two years and then the National Guard for three” he says. “I remember being deployed to Guttenberg, Iowa, when the old Mississippi River was angry.” Roger says his team of 25-30 soldiers brought sleeping bags and slept on air mattresses for about 13 days as they helped save and serve the community.
What’s Roger’s advice to live a good life like he has for 85+ years? “You should keep busy. Thelma retired before me, and she volunteered at the Carnegie Cultural Center in New Hampton. I built a lot of stuff for the center,” says Roger. “You’ve just got to keep busy.” Roger keeps busy at Aase Haugen by growing plants, participating in activities and staying connected to his family and friends. “I like it here,” he says. “I think they treat me great, and I really like the view from my room. I see a lot of people walking or running on the dike, and lots of animals. At night the glow of the headlights from cars driving up through Phelps Park from across the river is kind of neat to look at.” We’re so happy you are part of the Aase Haugen family, Roger. You make our days brighter and better just by being here!