Walter K. Johnson

Born August 28, 1923, to Horace E. and Ida A. Johnson of Minneapolis; died December 22, 2009, in the south Minneapolis home he built for his family and lovingly maintained for more than fifty years. Survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Geneva; daughters Kristine Kaplan (John) of St. Paul, and Karen Dolde (Steve) and grandaughters Meg and Anna of Seattle, WA. Preceded in death by sister Harriet Main and daughter Konstance Coutinho.

Quietly modest but greatly accomplished in all aspects of his life: professional, community, and family. He proudly served in W.W. II, returning to the University of Minnesota to graduate in 1948 with a B.S in Civil Engineering and begin his long and distinguished career centered on improving water quality. He earned his Ph.D. in 1963, conducting some of the early research in the U.S. on nitrogen removal by nitrification and denitrification. A member of the Civil Engineering faculty at the UM for more than nineteen years, he mentored and advised many undergraduate and graduate students. Although he was then a full professor, in 1975 he opted for new challenges in public service by becoming the Director of Water Quality Control at the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission, where he remained employed until his retirement in 1989. Dr. Johnson held many leadership positions and was a life member of numerous local and national professional organizations and received many honors for his professional contributions.

As important as his dedication to professional excellence was service to his community. This commitment was demonstrated most clearly by his tireless work on behalf of Augustana Lutheran Church where he was a steadfast and respected leader of the congregation throughout his life. As an extension of his work for the church, he served on the board of directors of the Augustana Care Corporation for more than 25 years. He enjoyed being a good neighbor and friend to many.

Most of all, he was devoted to his family ? as a provider, partner, and wise and patient father. Throughout their marriage, Walter and Geneva enjoyed traveling to many parts of the world, but best was to Seattle to visit cherished granddaughters, Meg and Anna, of whom they are so proud. His gentle humor and guidance will be greatly missed by his family, many friends young and old, and his church and neighborhood communities. By his faithful service he truly exemplified the “greatest generation.”

Thanks to his physicians Dr. Mark J. Schmidt and Dr. Burton Schwartz, the Allina Hospice personnel, and especially to Karen and Mom for their extraordinary care and comfort. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Augustana Lutheran Church; Community Emergency Services of Minneapolis; or to the Walter K. Johnson Fellowship through the University of Minnesota Foundation.

Visitation is 2-4 PM, Sunday, at Henry W Anderson Mortuary, 3640 23rd Ave. So., and also one hour before the service at church on Monday. Funeral service will be 11:00 AM, Monday, December 28, 2009 at Augustana Lutheran Church, 704 – 11th Ave. So., Mpls. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.