GEORGE W. JOHNSON 1945-1953

(From the Friday, June 21, 1974 Duluth News-Tribune)

Ex-Mayor, legislator succumbs

George W. Johnson, a former mayor of Duluth and a six-term legislator, died in a Duluth hospital Thursday at 79.

A life-long city resident, he was mayor from 1945 to 1953 and served as a state representative from the 59th District from 1925 through 1937. He was speaker of the House for the 1935-37 state legislative sessions, only the second Duluthian to ever hold that post.

Mr. Johnson was graduated from Central High School and Duluth Business College. Early in his career he held positions in sales. Later he operated his own printing company. After leaving the office of mayor, he entered the real estate business. He also served as an appraiser for the state.

While mayor, he was elected vice president of the Minnesota Conference of Mayors. He also was a past president of the West End Business and Civic Club and a past patron of Euclid Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star.

His memberships included Central Avenue United Methodist Church and its board of directors, the Duluth Scottish Rite bodies and he was a 50-year member of Trinity Masonic Lodge.

While in the Legislature, Mr. Johnson served on the Interim Tax Committee and Interim Social Service Committee.

Mr. Johnson and his wife, the former Grace Lutz, have resided at 4709 W. 4th St. She and several nieces and nephews survive.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Central Avenue United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Leslie E. Drake officiating. Visitation will begin at noon Sunday at Fred Olson Mortuary and continue at the church from noon to 2 p.m. Monday.