Elmer Gunnard Johnson

He was born March 23, 1935.

Elmer attended a one room school house just down the road from where he grew up on Ford Peterson Rd. He also attended Frewsburg Central for high school where he met his wife, Donna of 67 years and who preceded him in death on April 27, 2022.

Elmer worked for the Town of Carroll and could tell many stories about his time while employed there. He learned to build houses while working for Ridge Homes. He bought his first backhoe in the mid 60’s and went into business for himself. He owned and operated R&E Johnson, along with his brother Ray and hauled considerable amounts of gravel, dug footers, installed many septic systems and built several homes. Together they bought and sold cars and trucks for many years. They also worked for the Carroll Cemetery Association. Elmer was a workaholic who always made it home for dinner with his family at precisely 5:00 and turned around and went back to work until dark. Elmer and Donna spent many winters in Florida enjoying their friends and family who lived and wintered there as well.

Elmer is survived by his two daughters, Sherry (Terry) Strong of Frewsburg and Suzan Carlson of Summerfield, Florida; four grandchildren: Lacey (Sean) Miller of Stockton, Kris (Sara) Jacobson of Jamestown, Linnea (Ben) Haskin of Jamestown, and Thomas Lombardo of California; two great-granddaughters, Eden Miller and Dorothy Haskin; his brother Raymond Johnson; and dozens of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gunnard Olaf Johnson, who passed away on Jan. 5, 2003 and Lillian May Vandewark Johnson, who passed away on May 29, 1997; his wife, Donna J. Barrus Johnson in 2022; his daughter, Lorinda Johnson, who passed away on Oct. 9, 1978; and his sister, Ethelyn Johnson, who passed away on Dec. 11, 2023.

The family would like to express heartful appreciation to Elmer’s caregivers whose compassion and dedication allowed him to remain in the comfort of his home. Special thanks to Hospice for the comfort they provided.

The family will receive friends from 3-6 pm on Friday, March 27, 2026 in the Peterson Funeral Home, Frewsburg. No service will be observed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care, 20 W Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750 (chpc.care/donate).

You may leave a condolence and memory by visiting www.petersonfh.net.