Obituary of Allen A. Johnson

Retired President of PEFCO INC. Age 96. Allen Johnson, 96, of North Oaks, went to be with the Lord on August 3 following a few weeks of illness. Allen was born June 20, 1919 to Arthur J. and Alice F. (Lundholm) Johnson in St. Paul, Minnesota. Allen graduated from Shakopee High School in 1937, where he was a four year letterman in Basketball. Further education at Bethel Junior College and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota followed. Allen was a veteran of World War II and was awarded three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for Valor while serving in Europe with the 103rd Infantry Division. In 1938, Allen’s father Arthur founded the Porcelain Enameling and Fabricating Company (PEFCO) of St Paul. Allen was the first employee. PEFCO was to become Allen’s career, following his father he became President of the company and retired in the early 1990’s. PEFCO was known for the production of high quality Porcelain Enamel on Steel and Painted Aluminum metal panels and signs for the exteriors of buildings. Local projects of note include the Hennepin County Hospital and the exterior of the “G” concourse at the airport. In the early days exterior panels for the major gas station chains and signs for Red Owl Grocery Stores and Dairy Queen will be remembered by many. Simultaneously, Allen put in decades of volunteer work at Trout Lake Camp and at his church, Trinity Baptist of Maplewood, where he served for many years on the Board of Trustees, the Troop Committee for BSA Troop 50 and the Food Shelf Committee. His major service to the Church was as the Chairman of the Building Committee for the current Trinity Baptist building in Maplewood. Allen’s love for his Lord was evident in his words and actions throughout his life. We thank God for him. Allen is survived by daughter Pamela Scalise (Charles) of Seattle, son Bradley Johnson (Susan) of Maplewood, grandsons David Scalise (Abby) of Eagan, Daniel Scalise (Helen) of Portland, OR, and three great-granddaughters. Allen was preceded in death by his parents; Ethel, his wife of 63 years; and son, Dwight L. Johnson. A memorial service is scheduled at 11:30 AM on Monday, August 10 at Trinity Baptist Church, Edgerton St. at Highway 36. Visitation at the church one half hour before the service. Memorials preferred to Trout Lake Camp Scholarship Fund, 2355 HWY 36 West STE 400, Roseville MN 55113 or Trinity Baptist Church, 2220 Edgerton St. Maplewood MN 55117.