Waldemar Johnson

Waldemar Johnson spoke seven languages and taught Swedish and French at Denfeld from 1931-1970, coaching cross country and track and field for 38 years.

He won the shot put State Championship in his senior year, 1924, and coached many athletes who went to state tournaments, including the 1949 State Track Champions.

Johnson enjoyed merging academics with athletics, frequently speaking different languages with his athletes during practice and in competitions.

A fitting tribute was from Denfeld alum Clifford Erickson: "It is difficult to grasp, even now, that the vital combination of tongue, sinew and heart that he was could ever be stilled. It would be a giant task to count the lives he touched, both in the classroom or athletic field. In this sense he has achieved an immortality to which most of us can only hope to aspire."

Hall of Fame Members