Dorothy Johnson

Dorothy Lydia Johnson was born on August 1, 1922, the daughter of Walter and Lydia (Johnson) Youngner in Nelson, MN. She attended grade school in Nelson, MN and then graduated from Central High School. She continued her education and received a teaching degree from St. Cloud State College. She worked for various rural schools before meeting the love of her life, Norman Johnson, through relatives in Garfield, MN.

On June 25, 1945, Dorothy and Norman were united in marriage at Fahlun Lutheran Church in Nelson. The couple moved to Balaton to live on Norman's family farm for five years. In 1950, they moved to a farm they bought, northwest of Nelson. They were blessed with four sons, Richard, Russell, Dennis and Donald. The family farmed in Nelson for 40 years before retiring and moving into Alexandria in 1990.

Dorothy was a very active member at Fahlun Lutheran Church. She taught Sunday school and was the Sunday school superintendent for many years, she was involved with ladies aide and attended many bible studies. Dorothy also taught the 6th grade at Carlos Elementary School for over 30 years. After her retirement she continued to teach special education and English as a second language to children in Carlos. Dorothy and Norman volunteered at Bethany Home for 14 years and for their hard work and dedication, were awarded the Service to Mankind Award by the Sertoma Club in 1998.

Dorothy enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, crocheting, and sewing. She made many lap blankets for Bethany residents and enjoyed visiting with family and friends at Bethany as well. Dorothy and Norman also enjoyed traveling with their pop-up camper extensively across the U.S. and Canada. She enjoyed time with her family and the grandkids. She was especially proud of her grandchildren receiving a good college education and was always amazed at their worldly travels. Dorothy will be remembered as a very loving and gentle woman.

Dorothy died peacefully on Saturday, December 24, 2016 at Bethany Home in Alexandria at the age of 94. She is survived by her sons, Richard (Rosie) Johnson of Minnetonka, Russell (Winnie) Johnson of Mesa, AZ, Dennis (Sharon) Johnson of Guilford, CT, and Donald (Wendy) Johnson of Savage; eight grandchildren, Ericka (Anders Ynnerman) Johnson, Jenny (Scott Wentworth) Johnson, Karl (Marianne) Johnson, Lisa (Joe) Jones, Rebecca Johnson, Beth (Erik) Andersen, Chris (Lindsey) Johnson and Laura (Travis) Young; eight great-grandchildren, Luke Johnson, Noah Johnson, Eli Johnson, Gabriel Johnson, Eve Johnson, Owen Jones, Audrey Jones, and Ellie Johnson Ynnerman; sister, Helen (Andy) Hanson. Dorothy is preceded in death by husband, Norman Johnson, brothers, Phillip Youngner and Paul Youngner; her parents amd great granddaughter, Evelina Johnson Ynnerman.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 11AM at Fahlun Lutheran Church in Nelson. Reverend Jeremy Pedersen will be officiating with music provided by organist, Barb Sather. A visitation will be held from 5-7PM on Friday at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria and also for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be held in the Fahlun Lutheran Church Cemetery. Honorary Pallbearers are Dorothy's eight grandchildren.

Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.
www.andersonfuneral.net