DeLane Johnson Obituary (1955 - 2016)

DeLane (Swede) Johnson Sr.Milford, UtahDeLane (Swede) Johnson Sr. (1934-2016) passed away peacefully surrounded by family in his home on March 19, 2016. Swede was born on March 25, 1934, in Milford, Utah, to Nils and Dora Johnson. He loved to run free in his small hometown and played baseball and ran track during high school. He joined the US Navy at the age of 17 and attended boot camp in San Diego, CA. Swede served in Japan and Korea.When he returned from service, he married the love of his life, Anna Marie Neilsen, on June 3, 1955. Together they raised their five children. He is the proud grandfather of 16 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren (with 3 more on the way), and 2 great-great-grandchildren. And each child claims to be his very favorite because that's how Grandpa "Sweet" made everyone feel.Swede loved music and singing. He taught his grandchildren silly tunes and could sing a song for any occasion. He was always a jokester and loved to tease. His stories were famous among his family and friends and one of his favorite sayings was "It just doesn't matter!" Swede's greatest gift to others was his infectious smile and laugh--you always left feeling better than when you arrived.Swede is survived by his sweet wife, Annie; his children Jeffrey Johnson, DeAnn (Russell) Holm, both of Milford, Utah; and Debra (Craig) Halverson of Beaver, Utah; his grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and special friends. He has been reunited with his parents; his siblings Alden, Selma, Carroll, Orlyn, Nils, and Sandra; his children Laurie and Laney; and his grandson Casey. We are sure it was a reunion filled with love and hugs and lots of teasing.The family wishes to give a special thanks to Milford Valley Hospital, Beaver Valley Home Health, Hospice, and the amazing doctors and staff that made Swede feel like a friend, not a patient. Funeral services and a birthday celebration will be held at the Milford LDS Chapel on Friday, March 25, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be held beforehand from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.