Roy D. Johnson
More than one member of the Council has a little trouble distinguishing between the two Roy Johnson's who are members. Though they look nothing alike, trying to decide which one is which from just the roster sheet is a challenge. When the Council was first formed Roy C. Johnson was a part of it and it was just a couple of years ago that Roy D. Johnson joined us and very quickly advanced through the Third Degree.

Roy D. (for Daniel) Johnson came to the Council at the invitation of Eugene Schmitz. As with many other men of the Council, his experience of the Knights prior to that point had been memories of the Fourth Degree at some function at St. Bernard. But, it seemed an appropriate move for Roy who at the time was interested in becoming a part of some Catholic organization that was doing good things for people. Since he's been in the Council he has taken part in some of the standard activities such as helping with booyah sales as well as the Tootsie Roll drive. He would like to get involved in more activities and meetings, but he finds a good deal of his time filled with caring for his wife. Emerine has been struggling with disease and Roy has spent a lot of time taking care of grocery shopping, laundry, housekeeping and cooking in addition to tending to as many of his wife's needs as he can. Certainly caring for a loved one can be more of a full time job than many people imagine

Before retiring about ten years ago, Roy worked as an electrician at Proctor & Gamble for thirty-six years. He recalls spending a lot of time in electrical maintenance and control system. He does well at his trade and is still called upon by family and friends for electrical work that needs to be done or to help solve a problem they encounter. Since retirement he has managed to get involved in a few other pursuits. He volunteers at a shelter associated with Curative Workshop that helps handicapped persons become rehabilitated. He also spends an occasional Saturday morning with men of the Council and others who are associated with St. Vincent de Paul store.

Roy is originally from Duvall and his wife is from Dyckesville, and they have been married fifty-one years. His children range in age from 37 - 50 and while some live in the area others are in Minneapolis, Madison and Milwaukee. That always leaves open the possibility of some travel. His advice to anyone who might be thinking about the Knights is to get involved. He especially appreciates the connections he has made with other man and families of the Council and wishes that he had more time to devote to activities of the Council. Our prayers for God's healing graces go to Roy and Emerine and we look forward to their continued involvement in the life of Council 10243.

August 2000