Darrell R. “Pickle” Johnson, 80, of Blooming Prairie, died Friday, Oct. 14, 2011, at his home.

Darrell Rodman Johnson was born April 26, 1931, in Austin, Minn., to Palmer and Ora (Hanson) Johnson. He attended school in Blooming Prairie and graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1948. He served in the Army in the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. He was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart. After spending nine months at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver, Colo., he returned to Blooming Prairie. On Feb. 26, 1954, he married Mary Ann Loew in Blooming Prairie. They lived in Austin four years prior to moving to Blooming Prairie where he resided until his death. He was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. He was a volunteer fireman for 22 years and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He worked for Peterson Implement for 45 years with his specialty working on combines, retiring in 1997. He was a jack of all trades. His main hobby was working with wood and refinishing furniture. He enjoyed antiquing, playing cards, traveling, especially trips to Askov, Minn., and spending time with his family and friends. He was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever someone was in need.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann, Blooming Prairie; daughter, Shelley, Blooming Prairie; sisters, Beverly Swenson, Blooming Prairie, Marlys (Richard) Spinler, Austin, Hjordes (Bruce) Ebling, Red Wing; sisters-in-law, Pat Johnson, Austin, Sharon Johnson, Geneva.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, David and Gale; brother-in-law, Joe Swenson.

Funeral Services will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie with Rev. Charles Leonard officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will be at the First Lutheran Cemetery. The American Legion Post 52 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 878 are in charge of military rites. Casketbearers will be Rod Koster, Ted Plunkett, Gordon Spinler, Marvin Thompson, Darrell Loew, Phillip Peterson. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.