1930
Clyde
2009
Clyde Johnson
February 16, 1930 — April 23, 2009
Clyde Earl Johnson, son of Elmer and Mattie (Napp) Johnson, was born February 16, 1930 in Fennimore, Wisconsin, where he grew up and was confirmed in 1943 at St. Peter Lutheran Church by Reverend Reinhard Schedtler. Clyde attended and graduated from Fennimore High School in 1947. He continued his schooling at the University of Iowa, receiving his undergraduate degree in instrumental music in 1951. He then served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. After completing his military service, he returned to the University of Iowa, completing a master of arts in music education and a Ph.D. in composition. In 1957, he continued his study of composition as a Fulbright scholar at Staatliche Hochschule Fur Music, Frankfurt/Main, Germany and then at the Music Executive Institute, Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY. Clyde taught theory, composition, applied woodwinds, stage band and concert band at UMM. His compositions have been performed nation wide.
Clyde
’s reputation as a clarinetist goes back over 50 years. At UMM, he presented the first faculty recital in 1962, participated as a member of the UMM faculty trio from 1966 to 1978. Proficient on the saxophone, he has participated in numerous jazz ensembles. He has also conducted several theater productions. He has published a number of articles for the Music Education Journal and the Minnesota Educators Association. He presented several clinics at MMEA conventions between 1978 and 1988.
Clyde was a member of First Lutheran Church in Morris and the UMM Retirees Association. He enjoyed golfing, woodworking, music, pool and ping pong. He especially enjoyed the time he spent with his grandkids.
Clyde died on Thursday, April 23, 2009 at West Wind Village in Morris, MN, having lived to reach the age of 79 years.
He is survived by four sons: Jeffry Johnson (Anne Anderson) of Detroit Lakes, Joseph (Sandie) Johnson of Monticello, Jon (Renee) Johnson of Grasston and Matthew (Amanda) Johnson of Morris; 12 grandchildren: Nick Johnson, Steve Johnson, Kyle Anderson, Tricia Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Rachel Johnson, Mark Steffen, Jessica Steffen, Madelaine Johnson, MacKenzie Weatherly, Jacob Johnson and Jaret Johnson; one brother: Bruce (Beverly) Johnson of Lake Geneva, WI; four nieces: Debbie, Diane, Dorie and Denise and one nephew: Dave. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters: Inez Johnson and Carol Liedtke.
Pallbearers for the service are: Jim Carlson, Del Sarlette, Marty Sarlette, Greg Degier, Dan Dripps and Dave Loher. Honorary pallbearers are Cal Matheis, Chuck Quesnel and all of Clyde’s grandchildren. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to the Clyde Johnson Music Scholarship.
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