Wilma Maxine Johnson

Funeral Services for Wilma Johnson will be held at Living Word Lutheran Church in Alexandria at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 with Reverend Jesse Carson officiating. Visitation will be held Monday, May 15, 2023 at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 4:30 p.m., as well as one hour prior to services on Tuesday.

Wilma Maxine Severinson was born to Selmer and Hazel (Caine) Severinson on September 28, 1933 in Devils Lake, North Dakota. She was baptized on December 25, 1933 and was one of two daughters that would eventually relocate with her parents to Jamestown, North Dakota in 1948. Wilma was confirmed on March 22, 1948 and graduated from high school on May 31, 1951. After graduation Wilma started attending nursing school in Jamestown.

However, before she could complete her schooling, Wilma met the love of her life, Carl Johnson, at a
church event. The couple were married on August 24, 1952 and welcomed three daughters: Rene', Nancy, and Joanne. Wilma was a wonderful mother and caretaker. She had a big heart for others and touched many lives. She and Carl shared many hobbies together, especially helping within their church, holding Bible studies, traveling, and being heavily involved in both boy and girl scouts.

Wilma also enjoyed teaching Sunday School, VBS, and being active with the Red Hat Society, Readers’ Theatre, and P.E.O. After her girls were grown, Wilma went back to school to realize her dream of becoming a nurse. She graduated in 1982 with her LPN from Alexandria Technical School. Wilma was a wonderful caretaker to all and had a special gift of hospitality, which even followed her to her years as a resident at Alex Assisted Living. She always wanted all to feel welcomed, whether they were new residents at the care center, new to the neighborhood, or newcomers to her church or the kids’ school.

Wilma’s faith was always a big part of her life. And, after her Carl’s passing, she spent much of her time volunteering and was one of the founding members of Living Word Church. When she wasn’t hosting friends and family or volunteering for the many organizations she was involved in, Wilma enjoyed baking, watching her Minnesota Twins, working on a word search or some saduko, and playing board games – especially Scrabble and Rummikub. She was always up for the next adventure. She loved to travel, tease and be teased, she was fun-loving, steadfast, opinionated, and involved.

In 2019 Wilma became a resident of Alex Assisted Living and quickly made many friends with both the residents and staff. During the last years of her life, she enjoyed the company of her friends at the care center and the many long phone calls to her girls, always ending every call with “Good night, sleep tight, I love you.”

Wilma passed away on May 11, 2023 after getting to spend her final moments with her beloved
daughters; she was 89 years old. Wilma will always be remembered for her kind heart and her many acts of love, especially her treats: frosted graham crackers for the neighborhood kids after school, and scotcheroos for her sons-in-law.

Wilma is preceded in death by her husband, Carl; her parents, Selmer and Hazel Severinson; sister, Rosemary Johnson; and one infant brother. She is survived by her daughters: Rene' (Bob) Schulz of Naperville, IL, Nancy (Don) Griffin of Yale, OK, and Joanne Gust of Alexandria; grandchildren: Jon (Terri) Schulz, Jason (Cate) Schulz, Aaron (Becky) Schulz, Gabriel (Stephanie) Gust, Rachel (Aaron) Smith, Zachary (Desiree) Gust, Miriam (Jonathan) Kilpatrick; 14 great-grandchildren, including one on the way; and many other beloved relatives and friends.

*In lieu of flowers memorials made to Hospice of Douglas County or Living Word Lutheran Church are preferred.