Clinton Johnson

CLINTON ?BUCK? JOHNSON

Clinton ?Buck? Johnson died 10/16/04 from injuries suffered in a fall at his home. He was born in Hibbing, Mn. July 16, 1919 to Thorleif Johnson, a Norwegian immigrant, and Verna (Lindsley) Johnson. His north wood?s childhood inspired his life-long love of nature and wildlife.

Buck attended the Univ. of Minn, enlisted in the US Army and was commissioned a 2nd. Lt. of Infantry in May, 1942. As a Captain, he was a Company Commander. He was wounded in action in WW2. After surgery & recovery, he returned to lead his troops in combat in the Philippines.

In 1942, Buck married June Lunceford of Bovey, Mn. After the war, they made a home in Minnesota, first in Sartell, Mn and then in Croixside, north of Stillwater. The couple had 4 children. Buck had a 33-yr career in the Minnesota Nat?l Guard. He organized marksmanship matches at Camp Ripley. Under his leadership, in 1977, Minnesota won every major team & indiv. match in the ?All Army Matches?. Buck was Chief Scorer at the biathlon marksmanship competition in 1980 at the Lake Placid Olympics.

He retired as a full Colonel in 1979. During his career he received many awards and decorations: The Purple Heart, WW 2 Victory Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, American Theater Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific with Two Stars, Philippine Liberation w/One Star, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/30-yr. Device, Army Reserve components Achievement Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster, Mn. Medal for Merit and the Mn. State Service Medal w/30-yr. Device.

Buck Johnson was a uniquely creative, imaginative and industrious man; it seemed there was nothing he could not do. He formulated and produced ?Buck?s Deer Scent? for nearly 50 years and the product is still distributed nationally. He was a taxidermist of amazing artistry, who seemed to breathe life into his mounts. He was a wood carver, a furrier, a gardener, a rosemaler and an artisan baker. He was an avid reader and world traveler. He was an expert marksman & a skilled hunter and fisherman. He loved music and danced at his granddaughter?s wedding in Bavaria this last summer. He was a teacher, coach and mentor to his children & grandchildren. He was a Shriner and a Mason. He was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church in Marine. He was an animated, irrepressible storyteller.



June Johnson preceded Buck in death, as did his sister, Lorraine Miller, and his brother, Lawrence Johnson. Buck is survived by his children, Gail (George) Huschle, Bruce (Margaret) large & adoring family which will miss him forever.Johnson, Cheryl (Richard) Ross and Larry Johnson, as well as his grandchildren Ruth, Margaret & John Huschle, Hans & Aran Johnson, Dana, Sara and Samantha Ross, and great-grandchildren Alden & Olivia Huschle, Martin Aigner and soon to be born great-grandchild Aigner.

Buck Johnson had many friends and many interests; he loved his life. He was the patriarch of a large & adoring family which will miss him forever.

Visitation will be held at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater, MN., October 21, 5:30-7:30 pm. and 10 - 11 am at Christ Lutheran Church, Marine on St. Croix.

Service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 105 Fifth St., Marine on St. Croix,October 22, at 11:00 am; luncheon to follow.

Memorials may be sent to Christ Lutheran Church, Marine.