Florence Martha Johnson

Mass of Christian Burial for Florence Johnson, 95, of Minneota, will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Minneota. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Horvath Remembrance Center in Minneota. Interment will follow the service at the Westerheim Cemetery in Westerheim Township.

Florence Martha Johnson was born on July 29, 1926, on a farm northwest of Ivanhoe, MN, to Joseph and Elizabeth (Purol) Kuchera. She attended country school for three years and then finished at Ivanhoe High School, graduating in 1944. Florence married Merlin Johnson, the love of her life, on April 30, 1946. Merlin and Florence farmed and raised their children on Merlin’s family farm where they lived until 2017. Their last years were spent at the Madison Avenue Apartments in Minneota where they were cared for by some very special people.

Florence grew up with a strong faith. She was an active member of St. Eloi’s Parish in Ghent and, later, St. Edward Parish in Minneota. She belonged to the Westerheim Rural Life Extension Club where she made life-long friends. In addition to her love of her family, she loved to bake, sew, watch game shows and dance. Her grandchildren will miss her Special K bars and caramel rolls. Her children will keep trying to imitate her roast beef and lemon Meringue pie. Florence will be remembered for her insight, knowledge and being able to connect with people – young and old. Conversations with Florence will be missed.

Florence passed away peacefully, with family at her side, at the Madison Avenue apartments in Minneota on Sunday, December 12, 2021. She is survived by her son Ken (and Jan) Johnson of Foley, daughters Pat Brennecke of Roseville, Denise (and Mike) Ahmann of Minneota, Gail (and Don) Yutrzenka of Argyle; grandchildren Adam (and Holly) Johnson, Luke (and Amber) Johnson, Sarah Brennecke, Elliot (and Mandy) Brennecke, Claire (and Kevin) Brennecke, Abby (and Joe) Thostenson, Candice Ahmann, Connor, Lance and Max (and Hannah) Yutrzenka; great-grandchildren Zachary and Hannah Johnson; Hudson, Alexis and Ivy Thostenson; and Reeve and Kellen Ahmann; sister-in-law Alta Johnson and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband of 73 years, Merlin, her sister Marie (and Mike) Karolczek; brothers-in-law Orlando (and Irene) Johnson and Gordon Johnson; sisters-in-law Arlet (and Al) Olson, Annabelle (and Francis) Claeys and Esther Johnson and grandson Craig Ahmann.

Memorials preferred to St. Edward Catholic Church.