Bernice Johnson

Bernice Marian Foslien was born September 28, 1916 and raised in Moe Township, MN, the daughter of Alfred and Olina (Thompson) Foslien. Bernice later attended Normal School and began her career as a teacher. She taught at several country schools throughout Douglas County. On December 27, 1939 Bernice was united in marriage to Joseph Johnson and made their home in Alexandria. Joe and Bernice raised two children, Mary Ann and Craig. After teaching at country school District 13 Bernice returned to college. She received a Master?s Degree in Education from St. Cloud State University in 1960. From 1961 to 1979 Bernice taught special education at Central School in Alexandria. Bernice was a very social person; she belonged to a card club, was a member of First Lutheran Church, enjoyed mall walking and enjoyed meeting friends for coffee at the Brass Lantern. Part of her social ability was Bernice?s desire to take care of all of her business personally; it gave her a reason to be out and about. Volunteerism was also important to Bernice. She served on the Board of Directors for Project New Hope and served on the Douglas County Planning Commission. In 1978, for her efforts in making life better for the mentally handicapped, Bernice received an award from the Association of Retarded Citizens. Looking after her husband and children was important to Bernice. When Joe developed Alzheimer?s she tried to visit him every single day despite the distances she had to travel to nursing homes. On Monday, January 26, 2009 Bernice died at the age of ninety-two years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Johnson; her daughter, Mary Ann Young; and her twelve siblings. Bernice is survived by her son, Craig Johnson and wife, Carol, of Moorhead, MN; grandchildren, Jason Cossette and Jonathan Cossette of Fargo, ND, Joshua Cossette and wife Alisa, of Moorhead and Loretta Austin of San Jose, CA; two great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held Thursday, January 29, 2009 at First Lutheran Church. Rev. Greg Billberg officiated. Music was provided by Randy Morken and Patrick Kalina. Interment followed in the Kinkead Cemetery. Casket bearers included Craig Johnson, Jason Cossette, Jonathan Cossette and Joshua Cossette. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.