Erik Gosta Johnson

Erik Gosta Johnson, age 91, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2009 at his South Jordan home located next door to the Temple where he loved to serve. Erik was born in Osby, Kristianstad, Sweden on March 31, 1918 to Algot and Ammy Olofsson Johnson. When Erik was 7 ½ years old his family emigrated to Salt Lake City and he grew up and attended school in the Cottonwood area. As a young man he learned the building trade as he and his brother, Henry, worked with their father in construction, building schools, churches, and other commercial buildings.
At age 20, Erik was called on a mission to his homeland, Sweden, and served there for 10 months until WWII forced the missionaries out of Europe. He completed his mission in the Central States Mission where he became acquainted with Elna Ruth Bowen. Upon returning from their missions, they courted and were later married on December 12, 1941 in the Salt Lake Temple. Not long after, Erik was drafted into the US Army and served 18 months on the "front lines" in Italy and Germany and was awarded a bronze star, a silver star, and a purple heart. He returned home to his family in 1945.
Erik and Elna moved to Meridian Idaho in 1951 where they raised their 5 children. They returned to the Salt Lake area in 1966 and owned a successful construction company engaged in the building of LDS Churches throughout the Salt Lake Valley.
Erik and Elna were always actively involved in the LDS Church, serving in numerous callings. Together they served 4 missions and were able to return to Sweden as Mission President from 1984 to 1987. They later served in the Stockholm Sweden Temple.
Erik is survived by his wife, Elna; their 5 children: Richard (Gail) Johnson, Darrell (Britt-Marie) Johnson, Calleen (Steve) Passey, Judith (John) Preston, and Allece (Bill) Birnel; 28 grandchildren and 49 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Henry, and his sisters: Esther Nelson and Mildred Lewis. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at the River Ridge 8th Ward, 10194 S. 1000 W. in South Jordan. Friends and family may call at the Church prior to the service from 10:00 to 10:45 am and also from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, June 2nd.
The family extends special thanks to the caring workers at Love Hospice (Shannon, Charlie, Carlos, Heather, Rose & Cathy) for their wonderful aid during Erik's final weeks.