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Viola “Dolly” Johnson, 76 former resident of Traprock Valley and Otter Lake went home to be with the Lord on Sunday morning August 20, 2017 at Portage Pointe where she had been a resident for the past four years.
She was born on November 22, 1940 in Esko, Minnesota a daughter of the late George and Hennie (Stenroos) Barney.
She graduated from Esko High School in 1958.
On September 17, 1960 she was united in marriage to Rodney Johnson in Esko, MN.
In 1972 they moved to Traprock Valley where Rodney became pastor of Laurium Apostolic Lutheran Church. Dolly was very active as a pastor’s wife including teaching the Sunday school nursery class for many years. Dolly stayed home to raise their 5 children after which she worked as activities director at Stillwater’s for 25 years. Her love of the elderly began at age six when her grandmother lived with her. She carried that love for the elderly and all people until her last breath. She was known for her hugs, sparkling eyes and beaming smile. She was a loving wife, mother, grandma and great grandma and they were the focus of her life. Jesus and her Christian faith shown through in all she said and did.
Preceding her in death were her parents, sister: Marian Sunnarburg and 6 brothers:
Ray, Bob, Millard, Richard, Norman and Darrell.
Surviving are:
Her Husband Rodney Johnson of Otter Lake
Daughters: Kari (Tim) Seaton of Hancock
Connie (John) Bramble of Calumet
Sons: Kirk (Amy) Johnson of Rogers, MN
Jeff (Lucinda) Johnson of Champlin, MN
Josh (Heather) Johnson of Plymouth, MN
Grandchildren: Tara (Corey) Packard, Brenna (Travis) Williams, Caitlin (Ryan) Tanner, Erica (Chris) Nelson, Derek Johnson, Tyler (Jodi) Johnson, Brenton (Marria) Johnson, Rachel, Emma, Clara, Annabelle, Livia and Luke
Great Grandchildren: Elijah, Jadon, Silas, Jovie, Kalen, Jase, Kyler, Alia, Riley, Allie, Charlotte, Cora, Saelor, Atlas and Elsie
Sister: Nancy (Jim) Sunnarburg of Esko, MN
Brother: Curt (Sally) Barney of Phoenix, AZ
Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held on Thursday August 24, 2017 from 4-8 PM at Laurium Apostolic Lutheran Church 246 Tamarack Street Laurium and one hour prior to the funeral on Friday.
A funeral service will be on Friday August 25, 2017 at 11:00 AM in the Laurium Apostolic Lutheran Church with Pastor Jay Weidner and Pastor Chuck Bylkas to officiate.
Burial will be in the Askel Cemetery.
A special thanks to the staff at portage point for their amazing and dedicated love and care that they showed to her.
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences can be left for the family at Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home, Calumet, Michigan.
