With deep love and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Harold Burdett Johnson on Nov. 20, 2025, due to medical complications.
Harold Johnson was born on June 23, 1942, in White Lake, South Dakota, to Claude Wesley Johnson and Vadia Mae Johnson. He was welcomed into a large and lively family of 17 children. In 1952, at just nine years old, Harold and his family made the long journey west, settling in Oregon. He attended grade school in Sublimity and later went to Stayton Union High School.
Harold began working at Norpac at the age of 16 – a job that would become a defining chapter of his life. Over an extraordinary 46-year career, he rose to the role of Shift Supervisor. He was admired not only for his work ethic but also for his sharp wit and warm humor, which had a way of lifting spirits and turning ordinary moments into memorable ones.
In 1960, Harold joined the United States Navy and was stationed aboard the USS BOYD DD-544 as a chaplain’s assistant. After completing his service, he returned home in 1963 and married Gloria Etzel in 1964. Together they shared 26 years of marriage and raised five rambunctious boys, whom they loved fiercely. During these years they also built and operated their laundry services in Stayton, Aumsville, and Mount Angel.
Harold loved the outdoors and found deep joy in elk hunting and fishing, especially when sharing those moments with his sons and his nephew, Derek Mendiola. He was always tuned in to the latest fishing reports, ready for the next good day on the water.
Harold is survived by his sons, their partners and grandchildren: Alex, Damon (Angela), Ian (Charleen), Hillary, and Ignatius (AlО); his grandchildren: Jordan, Regina, Cooper, Kyle, Braxton, Bailey, Michael, Macy, and Norah.
In 1997, Harold married Janice Staiger, who preceded him in death in 2012. His years with Janice brought an expanded circle of family whom he embraced wholeheartedly. He formed strong and lasting bonds with her grandchildren, Brittney and Chris Black, and Brittney’s children – Charlee, Maverick, and the twins Oliver, and Everlee – who brought him tremendous joy and a renewed sense of purpose in his later years. He also cherished his relationships with Janice’s other grandchildren Brandon, Brianna, and Bridget, whom he loved deeply and remained an important part of his life.
Harold’s story is one of humour, hard work, and love. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the children, grandchildren, family, and friends who carry his stories forward.
A Military Honors Service is planned for 10 a.m. on Feb. 8, 2026, at Valley View Cemetery, with a Celebration of Life to follow at the Mt. Angel Festhalle. The family welcomes all who wish to remember Harold.
Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel.
