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1928
2017
RENNIE WENDELL JOHNSON
September 15, 1928 ~ March 13, 2017
Rennie Wendell Johnson, 88, of Salem, OR, passed away surrounded by family on Mon., March 13, 2017 from congestive heart failure. He was born on Sept. 15, 1928 on the farm in Wessington Springs, SD, the son of Ludwig Johnson and Sara Torve Johnson. He had one brother, Leo, who preceded him in death in 2016.
Rennie met his wife Doris at a dance in Springfield, OR and they were married on Nov. 25, 1950. They had just celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.
After high school in Moses Lake, WA, Rennie joined the Air Force and was called to active duty in 1951 where he was stationed at the Early Warning Air Installation at Murphy Dome, Fairbanks, AK.
Over the next few years Rennie owned a Flying A Service Station in Tacoma, worked at Peerless Laundry and in 1963 began his career in the bolt business at Tacoma Screw Products working his way up to manager of the Tide Flats Store. In 1979, Rennie and Doris started and operated Vancouver Bolt and Supply until his retirement in 2003. He served as the president of the Western Fastener Association, giving back to the industry.
Fraternal and philanthropic organizations were important to Rennie. He served as Potentate of Al Kader Shrine in 1999, was knighted as a Royal Rosarian and was a life member of four distinguished lodges in the Masonic Order.
Rennie is survived by his wife, Doris; daughter, Nancy (Steve) Barradale; son, Craig (Diane) Johnson; daughter, Debbie (Greg) Ego; eight grandchildren; and eleven and one half great-grandchildren.
Services were held on Sat., March 18, 2017. Private interment will be held at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland, OR 97086 on Mon., March 20, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.
Remembrances can be made to the Al Kader Transportation Fund to benefit the Shriners Hospital for Children, Royal Rosarians Foundations or St. Mark Lutheran Back Pack Buddy Program.
Arrangements provided by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Services in Salem, OR.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
You have been in my thoughts and even it was for a short time I enjoyed visiting with you both. Keep strong Doris.
Jane Alys Deupree
March 27, 2017
Hello Doris and Family
Sorry to hear of our loss of Rennie. You and Rennie showed the business world that you can be a successful business, yet still consider your employees 'family'. I am remembering what a great time we had on your Pendleton Round up visit.
Brian Shaw
March 19, 2017
My sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort knowing that those who die, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. - Psalm 116:15
March 17, 2017
Thinking of you at this time of your loss. Rennie was a great contributor to our community and a great guy.
Loren & Donna Wagnild
March 16, 2017
I am so very sorry for your loss.Rennie called on me for several years prior to starting Vanc Bolt. He was always a great business man. He will be missed.
Dave Davis
March 16, 2017
Dear Doris, I'm so very sorry to read of Rennies passing. I know it's very hard to lose your mate. Time is the only thing that helps and wonderful family, which I know you have. Love and prayers. Katie Albrici
March 16, 2017
Sorry for your loss!I always enjoyed chatting with him and sharing our Norwegion heritage.I will miss seeing him.
Lee Aspaas
March 16, 2017
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