Valdemar "Val" Johnson

Valdemar "Val" Arthur Johnson, 89, Topeka, passed away on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at Stormont-Vail Hospital. He was born on December 18, 1923 in Lindsborg, Kansas to Arthur Paul and Ester V. (Runburg) Johnson.

Val graduated from Salina High School. He retired as a timekeeper supervisor for the Santa Fe Railroad after 35 years of employment. He was a US Army Veteran serving during World War II. Val was a member of Susanna Wesley United Methodist Church, Kansas Wood Turners, International Woods Society, Topeka Sawdusters, and a former member of Plus Squares and Shooting Stars.

On June 26, 1949, he married Donna L. Laird. She survives. He is also survived by a daughter, Cheryl (Bill) Hodges, Bella Vista, AR; a son, Mark (Kathy) Johnson of Hoyt, KS; two grandchildren, Kristina (Joseph) Matsapto and Blake (Melissa) Johnson and three great grandchildren, Josie Matsapto, Caden and Makayla Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Arnold V. Johnson.

A funeral ceremony will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 22, 2012 at Mount Hope Mausoleum Chapel, 17th & Fairlawn. Entombment will follow in the mausoleum chapel. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10 am until 11 am at the mausoleum chapel. Val will lie in state after 11 am on Friday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Susanna Wesley United Methodist Church, 7433 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66614 or American Heart Association, P.O. Box 1653, Topeka, KS 66601.