Arvid M. Johnson, Age 79 passed away Friday, May 11, 2018 in Indianapolis, IN.
Born August 12,1938, in Stevenson, Washington, to Alfred M. and Ethel M. Johnson, Arvid was a 1956 graduate of Wy’East High School in Odell, Oregon. He married his high school sweetheart Deanna Dunn on August 30, 1958. She survives.
Arvid received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The University of Oregon and then went on to Penn State University to get his Ph.D. After his schooling, Arvid and Deanna moved to Palo Alto, California, where Arvid was a professor of Geology at Stanford University. While in California, they added four children to their family. In 1978, Arvid and his family moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was professor at the University of Cincinnati. After 10 years in Cincinnati, he moved to West Lafayette, Indiana, where he had a short stint as head of his department and tenure as professor at Purdue University until his retirement in 2006. Arvid’s career was highlighted by his influential textbook, Physical Processes in Geology, which established a new field and trained at least two generations of students.
When he wasn’t busy attending his grandchildren’s many sporting or school events, which he loved doing, Arvid enjoyed gardening and spending time at their log cabin in Shipshewana, IN. He also had a passion for his Swedish heritage.
Arvid is survived by his wife of 59 years, Deanna, daughter Jenna (Jeff) Wendlandt (Fort Wayne, IN), son Nils (Marleen) Johnson (Cincinnati, OH), son Kaj (Cyndi) Johnson (Bloomington, IN), and daughter Karla (Anthony) DeNicola (Fishers, IN). He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren; Michael, Kelsey and Alyssa Wendlandt, Kiersten, Alexander and Natasha Johnson, Aidan, Rebecca, and Leah Johnson, and Nathan, Carson, and Linnea DeNicola, two brothers, Richard (late Shirley) and Ansel (Susan) Johnson, and a sister Karin (Gary) Paulsen and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Walter and Karl.
His kindness, generosity and physical presence will be deeply missed but forever remembered. A celebration of his life will be held on June 23 at 1:00 at Blue Ash Presbyterian Church, 4309 Cooper Rd Blue Ash, Ohio 45242.
Preferred donation to: Arvid M. Johnson Scholarship Fund at Purdue University, ℅ Jimmy Parker 150 N. University St., West Lafayette, IN, 47907.
https://secure.ud.purdue.edu/s/1461/campaign/give.aspx?sid=1461&gid=1010&pgid=3175&cid=7440&bledit=1&sort=1&dids=5439.35&appealcode=13244
Karen Wagner says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Maj Britt Baker says
Love, love, love to the family. Uncle Arvid was a wonderful man. I will remember his sense of humor and warm loving presence always.
Jim BeMiller says
My sincerest sympathies to Deanna and other family and friends of Arvid.
Wendie Hartman says
I am so sorry for your loss. Arvid was a wonderful father, role model, and steady port in a storm. He will be missed.
Yuch-Ning and Tiee-Leou Shieh says
We are sorry to hear the passing of Arvid, a wonderful colleague, neibor, and friend. Our deepest sympathy to Deanna and family.
Yuch-Ning and Tiee-Leou Shieh
Jenny DeBonte says
My sincerest condolences to the Johnson family. Arvid was my teacher while I was at Purdue and Kaj and Cindy attended my church.
Ella and John (Jack) Moore says
We are sorry to learn of the passing of Arvid. It has been years since we retired and moved to Florida and have lost track of the family, except Jenna. Our daughter Wendie and she are still great friends. God bless you all as we remember what a wonderful family you have been a part of!
Lindsey says
I am so sorry to hear of the death of Arvid. The passing away of a loved one is always with much sorrow. May we have faith and confidence in the Bible’s promise of a time when pain, sickness and death are a thing of the past (Revelation 21:3, 4). My condolences are with the family at this difficult time.
Debbie Phillips Green says
My Dad, Amos Phillips was so sorry to hear about “Andy”. He just saw him days before at their class reunion.
My Dad and him were the Amos & Andy at School.
Will Keep you and your Family in our Prayers.
Joanne Seymour says
We corresponded with him quite a bit about our shared heredity a few years ago, and enjoyed his input. I’m sorry to hear of his death.
Roger and Junie Baker says
We are so sorry to hear of Arvid’s passing. I grew up next door to Arvid and his family in Dee, Oregon and remember him as a nice guy. My wife, Junie Fletcher, and her family were friends with Deanna,s family. Her dad and Deanna,s dad owned “Bish and Bob,s” a small service station in Odell, Oregon.
All our best to the family,
Roger and Junie Baker
Cindy Moore says
I’m so sorry to hear of Arvid’s passing. My maiden name is Fletcher and I was the flower girl in your wedding! I have not seen you folks in a very long time. I remember your mom and dad very well, Deanna.
My deepest condolences are with you,
Cindy “Fletcher” Moore
David Winans says
Sorry to hear of the passing of Arvid. He was always a good friend as we grew up together and went to school at Dee and Wyeast. Blessings to you and your family, Deanna.
David Winans
Melanie Wood says
Dear Deanna & Children,
So sorry to hear of Arvid’s passing. Many great memories when you folks would visit your Oregon family.
Thinking of you,
Melanie
Michael Shultz says
I remember Arvid as one of my most challenging professors. His high expectations gave me skills that have served me well throughout my career. He also had a great unique sense of humor and warmth. I have thought of him often and fondly since graduating nearly 20 years ago.
Rose wilson says
Just happen to see Arvid’s obituary. We shared many emails and photos.about our shared family and heritage. A wonderful person and a great loss.