Lois Mae Johnson

Lois Mae Johnson, 87, of Miltona passed away on October 12, 2023. A private family burial will take place at Camp Ripley Veteran's Cemetery in Little Falls, Minnesota.

Lois Mae Kaelke was born on July 4, 1936 to Katie (Vanderham) and Leo Kaelke in Westfield, Iowa. She was one of two children born to the couple who would be raised on the family farm during the Great Depression. She attended country school until the 11^th grade, when she married Clark Johnson on February 26, 1955.

The couple moved to many new and exciting places for Clark’s career in the military, including Sioux City, IA, Fairbanks, Alaska, and Washington D.C. During these years they welcomed two children: Paul and Peggy. Eventually the family returned to Minnesota where Lois started her career at 3M as a machine operator. After over twenty years of employment, Lois retired and began working as a kitchen aide at St. Williams Living Center in Parkers Prairie. It was her dream job that she enjoyed doing for almost a decade.

Beyond working, Lois, the self-proclaimed “firecracker” born on the Fourth  of July, enjoyed planning and decorating for weddings (including the cakes), volunteering with the youth at her church, fishing, and gardening – both vegetables and flowers.

When Clark and Lois decided to retire permanently, they took off in their RV. They enjoyed many trips together, but especially loved the ones that involved threshing bees. When Clark passed away in 2019, Lois moved in with her son Paul and remained there until her recent passing.

On October 12, 2023 Lois passed away at Alomere Heath Center in Alexandria; she was 87 years old.

Lois is survived by her children: Paul Johnson of Miltona, Peggy (Doyle) Kloehn of Nelson; grandchildren: Christopher, Tina, Mitchell and Mandy and five great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Clark Johnson; parents, Leo and Katie Kaelke; and brother, August Kaelke.