Ingrid M. ‘Nini’ Johnson, 80

Published 10:39 am Thursday, December 8, 2016

Ingrid M. ‘Nini’ Johnson, 80

On Nov. 20, 2016, Ingrid M. “Nini” Johnson, 80, left this world to spend eternity with Jesus.  Blessed be her memory.

She was born Oct. 23, 1936, in Hӓlsingborg, Sweden, to Hjalmar and Signe (Ahlstrӧm) Erlandsson. At the age of four, her mother passed away and her father was called to service during the war. She and her two younger sisters were sent to an orphanage, and later to foster homes. Ingrid spent most of her childhood in the home of Pastor Lars and Helga Hedblom and eventually was given their name. After high school, she attended Social Pedagogiska Seminariet and graduated with a degree in preschool education. In 1957, she met Dean A. Johnson while he served with the U. S. Air Force. They maintained a long-distance relationship and married on Aug. 5, 1959, in Saltsjo-Boo, Sweden. They started their married life in Germany and moved about as Dean was transferred, and then settled in Austin, Minnesota, upon his retirement in 1975. Together they raised four children.  Ingrid worked as a paraprofessional with the Austin Public Schools for over 23 years. Even after retirement she continued her involvement with children. She taught Sunday school, participated in the mentorship program and frequently read to the kindergarten children of Woodson School. Throughout the years, Ingrid was involved in many service and community organizations. She was a Girl Scout leader and Boy Scout den mother. She displayed her artwork and taught children’s art classes at the Austin Art Center.  She was very involved with the Mower County Humane Society; she participated in fundraisers, cared for the animals, and for many years wrote a pet advice column for the Austin Daily Herald. Ingrid trained all her dogs and together they often acted as Humane Society ambassadors and visited local schools. She and her dogs also provided therapy services at nursing homes. She volunteered with the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Throughout her life, Ingrid had an unwavering faith in Jesus and lived her life according to her Christian values. She drew her strength from the Lord, believed in forgiveness, and loved unconditionally. She was deeply committed to the Lord, her church, and her family.

Ingrid is survived by her beloved husband, Dean; children, Lars (Karen), Rochester, Minnesota, Kristina ‘Tina’, Yelm Washington, Harold ‘Jay’ (Brenda), Albert Lea, Minnesota and Karen Weis, Austin; eight grandchildren, Holly (Luke) Mirau, Diana (Ryan) Wacholz, Necia (Adam Eisenhut) Cochlin, Jesse Johnson, Bridget (Jeff Moss) Oleson, William Oleson, Noah Weis and Jonah Weis; and six great-grandchildren, Christian, Dakota, McKenzie, Ashton, Deven and Brylynn. She is also survived by her sisters, Gunvor (Herman) Livingston, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Sigbritt Stegring, Sweden, and Inger Lind, Sweden; sister-in-law, Sharon Johnson, Highlands Ranch, Colorado, former son-in-law, Jordan Weis; nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Austin Church of Christ, 103 Second St. SW, with the Rev. Dr. Stephen DeFor officiating. Visitation is on Tuesday, Dec. 13. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. at Worlein Funeral Home, and also at the church one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery at a later date. Memorials can be directed to the Mower County Humane Society or the Austin Art Center. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.