Sheldon E. Johnson

Sheldon Johnson, age 85, beloved husband and father, passed away August 31st, 2017. Sheldon was born in Hibbing, MN and grew up in the town of Waseca, MN. He was a talented golfer and won the 1952 Waseca City Championship. He enrolled at Grinnell College and graduated from Mankato State University with a BS degree in 1953. Shortly thereafter, he joined the United States Air Force and began pilot training. He had a 20-year career including a year in Vietnam as an AC-47 gunship pilot. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, the Vietnam service medal with two battle stars, and the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters. He retired as a Major at Kirtland Air Force Base in 1974 and made Albuquerque his home.

He enjoyed a lengthy retirement in New Mexico. He was an active member of Church of the Good Shepherd where he and his wife, Lee, played handbells for many years. He could often be found camping in the Jemez Mountains, hiking in the Sandia’s, or playing backyard golf and entertaining friends and family around the pool. He also enjoyed classical music and attended many performances at Popejoy Hall over the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Everett, and his sister, Marilyn. He is survived by his loving wife, Lee Johnson, his children, Kim, Mark, and Dianne (Olwell), stepchildren, Mark and John Lesher, and numerous nieces and grandchildren.

A military interment and remembrance at Santa Fe National Cemetery will take place Friday, September 22, 2017  at 3:00 p.m.

The family would like to thank the staff of La Vida Llena for their wonderful care and support over Sheldon’s last several years.