Alvin Johnson

Seneca, SC— Alvin L. Johnson, 90, beloved husband of 65 years to LuWanna R. Johnson, died peacefully at his home on Friday, August 22, 2025, surrounded by his family.

 

Born November 24, 1934, in Osseo, Wisconsin, Mr. Johnson was the firstborn son of the late Alvin V. Johnson and Marguerite A. (Zhe) Johnson. His lifelong commitment to serving others led him to enlist in the United States Army. After his honorable discharge, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry at Luther College (Decorah, IA). There he met LuWanna; the two graduated and then married in 1960.

 

A science teacher, patent holder, entrepreneur and business owner, Mr. Johnson eventually gave the majority of his working years to Lord Corporation (Erie, PA), where, as a Sales Manager in coatings and specialty adhesives, he was respected for his integrity and loyalty. In retirement, Mr. Johnson seemed to work even more, but in direct service to others through estate planning, as a church elder, at the food pantry, or in sundry other volunteer capacities.

 

Throughout his life, Mr. Johnson lived out his faith as an active member of his church. He was a 30-year member of St. Paul Lutheran Church (Erie, PA) where, among many things, he taught Catechism for decades. Mr. Johnson enjoyed his last 25 years as a member of Eternal Shepherd Lutheran Church (Seneca, SC), where he helped start the Seniors Fund.

 

Mr. Johnson was a Norwegian woodsman at heart. He relished spending days-on-end chopping, sawing, and stacking wood, and then stoking the fire. He delighted in delivering loads of firewood to friends and people in need.  He maintained beautiful vegetable gardens and an apple orchard most of his life. His favorite pastime, though, was playing “Marbles”— a game he taught to all of his grandchildren, and in teaching the game to others, he turned visitors into lifelong friends.

 

He will be joyously remembered as a most devoted husband, a cherished father, a loving Grandpa, brother, and friend.

 

In addition to his wife LuWanna, Mr. Johnson is survived by his daughter Shawn Posway (Joseph), his son Alan Johnson (Lisa), and daughter Margi Johnson (Rev. Dan Sparling). He is survived by his sister JoAnn Rongstad (Robert), brother Gary Johnson (Linda), and his ten grandchildren: JJ, Jordan, Jessie, Alec, Caroline, Mason, Elle, Naomi, Nathaniel, and Annika.

 

A service to celebrate Alvin L. Johnson’s life will be held at 11:00 AM, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Eternal Shepherd Lutheran Church, 220 Carson Road, Seneca, SC, 29678.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The Elder’s Fund or The Senior Fund Eternal Shepherd Lutheran Church, 220 Carson Road, Seneca, SC 29678 https://secure.myvanco.com/YP30/campaign/C-Z3QB

or to Golden Corner Food Pantry.