Elaine H. Johnson, 88

Published 11:07 am Monday, January 19, 2015

Elaine H. Johnson, 88, formerly of Austin, died Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015, at Lake Shore Inn Nursing Home in Waseca.

Johnson

Elaine Harriet Hendrickson was born Oct. 21, 1926, in Owatonna, Minnesota, to Henry C. and Marie E. (Lofthus) Hendrickson. She graduated from Blooming Prairie High School. On Oct. 5, 1946, she was united in marriage to Erling Nathan Johnson, the son of Eddie M. and Nellie (Hagna) Johnson, in Blooming Prairie. She became a homemaker and full-time mother of three. In 1962, she began work as a secretary at Equitable Insurance Company and in 1965 was hired by the Austin Pubic Library as secretary to the director. She also served as an election judge in Austin for many years, and was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Beginning in 1979, Elaine became the Mower County Bookmobile librarian, retiring in 1982 to do some traveling with her husband and to perfect her lefse-making skills. Throughout her life, Elaine enjoyed music, square dancing, playing any kind of card game, and family events. In retirement she helped her husband write and complete a collection of family history aptly named “Relatively Speaking.” She is remembered by her family for her love and loyalty to them.

Elaine is survived by her children: David A. (Sandra) Johnson of Le Sueur, Minnesota, Rev. Nancy E. (Wayne) Hansen of Waseca, Minnesota, Richard N. (Trudy) Johnson of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; nine grandchildren: Angelique R. Bents, Gerd J. (Gina) Bents, Benjamin M. (Elizabeth) Bents, Max P. Bents, Joshua D. Johnson, Scott N. Johnson, Zachary C. (Brittany) Johnson, Claire K. Johnson, Samuel N. Johnson; one step-grandson Jeff Hansen; five great-grandchildren: Raena Bents, Harm Bents, Caden Bents, Hadley Bents, Anna Onu; three step-great-grandchildren: Hannah, Emily, and Jake Kennedy; sister-in-law Shirley Opsal of Minneapolis, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bill and Lois Williams of St. Louis, Missouri; many nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Marie Hendrickson; her husband Erling Nathan Johnson; brother-in-law Bernt C. Opsal.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin with Pastor Paul Lutter officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to St. Olaf Lutheran Church, the Austin Public Library, or recipient of donor’s choice. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.