Services for Allan Gene Josephson, 91 of Minneota will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 6, 2023, at Hope Lutheran Church in Minneota. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Horvath Remembrance Center in Minneota, ending with a prayer service at 6pm. Visitation will continue Monday from 10-11 a.m. at the church. Interment with military honors will follow at Hope Lutheran Cemetery. The Horvath Funeral Service of Minneota is handling the arrangements.
Allan Gene Josephson was born on October 10, 1931, in Lyon County to Abo and Clarice (Christianson) Josephson. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was a life-time member of Hope Lutheran Church. Allan graduated from Minneota Public School in 1949 and entered into the US Army, serving in Korea from 1952-1954.Upon his return he attended the University of Minnesota Farm School. On October 8, 1955, he was united in marriage with his long-time sweetheart Marlene Swanson, at Hope Lutheran Church in Minneota. Allan and Marlene raised their three children and farmed north of Minneota for all of their married life. Allan was blessed to be able to live out the rest of his life after retirement on the farm, thanks to the constant companionship of his daughter and caregiver, Sandra Louise. Allan was active in many church organizations including: Jubilation Choir, Church Council, Sunday School Superintendent, Scholarship Committee, and a variety of other committees. He was a Life Member of the Minneota American Legion Post 199, an active supporter of the Minneota community, and the Burton Township Board of Supervisors until he found a neighbor to replace him. Most recently he and Sandy were members of the Society for the Preservation of Minneota’s Heritage. Allan was a student athlete at Minneota High School and a strong supporter of all Minneota activities. He attended all activities when he was physically able and when he wasn’t able to attend in person, he and Sandy ALWAYS live-streamed! He especially loved the Minnesota Twins and took great pleasure in attending Spring Training games in Florida while vacationing for several decades. Allan (“Poppa”) loved to entertain his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with harrowing rides in the tractor & loader around the farm, delivering pigs, and making his famous PAPA’S BREAD. He was a tender and sensitive man, a friend to all, and affectionately referred to as “BUDDY” by many people.
Allan died suddenly and unexpectedly on March 1, 2023, at the Sanford Medical Center in Canby at the age of 91.
Allan is survived by his children, Sandra Josephson of Minneota, Douglas (Kim) Josephson of Grand Rapids, MI, and Dona (Steve) Rehome of North Mankato; and grandchildren, Kathryn (Brandon) Kiel, Kyle (Jana) Josephson, Kelley (David) Wyngarden, Kara (Michael) Johns, Hanna (Jason) Skadsen, and Claire Rehome. He was also “Great Poppa” to eight great grandchildren: Noah, Linnea, & Micah Allan Kiel; Evelynn, Luke, & Levi Josephson; and Ava & Jack Allan Skadsen. He is also survived by one brother, Charles Josephson of Tucson, AZ, and a sister-in-law Sharon (Robert) Ochocki of Riverside, CA. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years Marlene, parents, in-laws, a stillborn twin daughter, sister and brother-in-law Marilyn and BT Russell, brother and sister-in-law Lester and Donna Josephson, and sister-in-law Carol Catton and brother-in-law Darrell Catton.
Memorials are preferred to Hope Lutheran Church, American Legion Post 199 or the Society for the Preservation of Minneota’s Heritage (SPMH).
