"I am so sorry to hear of Darleen's passing. She was such a wonderful lady, she always had words of kindness and encouragement."
In loving memory of
Nora "Darleen" Johnson
November 5, 1928 - December 12, 2018
RUSHFORD, MN - Nora "Darleen" Johnson, 90, of Rushford, MN, died on Wednesday, December 12, 2018, at Gundersen Harmony Care Center in Harmony, MN.
Darleen was born on November 5, 1928, in Canton Township, MN, to Guy and Nora (Sanden) Soland. She graduated from Harmony High School and then from Normal School (teaching/education). She went on and taught in a country school in Amherst, MN for a few years. On June 10, 1949, she was united in marriage with LeRoy Johnson and for 66 years she demonstrated for all, the epitome of what a truly successful marriage can be. Her teaching did not end there, she went on to have 13 children of her own over the course of the next 15 years and taught them all strength, humility, kindness and humor. She loved to sew, garden, cook and can vegetables. Her flower gardens were amazing and she is known for her homemade bread, quilting and life changing dill pickles. Darleen's faith and family were the centerpieces of her life. She took special interest in each and every family member by being at the hospital when every grandchild was born, attending their baptisms, birthday parties, confirmations, graduations and weddings. She also found time to make her famous mints for all of these special occasions. Her vibrant competitive side was seen at every roll of the dice with friends and grandchildren. Oftentimes, this competitive side brought out the best of her wit and sass. She welcomed everyone into her home and never let anyone leave without a full stomach.
She was always a faithful and active member in the church. She was a member of Rushford Lutheran Church. Darleen was a compassionate and loving person with a zest for life and she will be missed greatly by all who knew her.
Darleen is survived by 12 children: Judith (Steven) Oian, Nancy Carman, Ellen (Gerald) Eide, Leroy (Carol) Johnson, Cynthia (Richard) Bovy, James (Joanne) Johnson, Mark (Cindy) Johnson, Bradley (Kari) Johnson, Richard (Pamela) Johnson, Sandra (Michael) Mlenar, Laurie (Tim Hallum) Johnson, Stacy (Scott) Newgaard; 40 grandchildren: Jennifer Oian, Tricia Oian, Steven (Toni) Oian, Tina (Chad) Oian, and Ryan (Kristin) Oian. Kenneth (Kirsten) Carman, Audra Carman, and Anthony Carman. Christopher Eide, Adam (Bobbi Jo) Eide, and Gerrad (Amber) Eide. Monica (Eric) Hill and Micheal Johnson. Amanda (Brad) Sullivan, and Natalie (Joshua) Boynton. Trinity (Emily) Johnson, Jeffrey Johnson, Joel (Courtney) Johnson, and Tiffany (Drew) Johnson. Guthrie (Jess) Johnson, Adrienne (Keith) Britson, Benjamin (Tiffany) Johnson, and Danielle (John) Yonts. Shannon (Casey) Ingvalson, Sara (Colin) Lange, and Lee (Meredith) Johnson. Ashley (Kate) Johnson, Melissa (Travis) McCabe, Zachary (Serena) Johnson, and Courtney (Jordan) Johnson. Brittany (Brian) Mlenar and Braden Mlenar. Erica (Lucas) Klein, Nicholas (Brittany) Agrimson, and Dalton Johnson. Luke Newgaard and Olivia Newgaard; 64 great grandchildren: Allison, Megan, Isaac, Alex, Lebron, Molly, Layla, Lyle, Amelia, Johanna, Lincoln, Eleanor, Paige, Sophia, Margaux, Beckett, Kaleb, Jessica, Jacqueline, Danny, Faith, Isabella, Emma, Chealsy, Hilary, Lillian, Elena, Andie, Nora, Greta, Caden, Carson, Teigen, Adeline, Braelyn, Keegan, Gage, Oliver, Kyle, Tyler, Riley, Rowan, Serenity, Mark, Liberty, Aubrey, Madison, Jackson, Eva, Davis, Jace, Reid, Cole, Taylor, Logan, Lilah, Lakyn, Hadley, Austin, Cameron, Griffin, Dominick and Dawson; a sister, Ilene Anderson of Harmony, MN; a sister-in-law, Pat Soland of Preston.
She was preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy; son, Jeffrey; grandson, Justin; two granddaughters: Julia and Janel; a great-grandson, Zaeden and five siblings: Audrey Teslow, LuVerne Soland, Gerald Soland, Esther Hanlon, and Guy Soland, Jr.
There will be a funeral service for Darleen at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 17, 2018, at Rushford Lutheran Church with The Reverend Steve Chellew officiating. Burial will be in the Highland Prairie Lutheran Cemetery in rural Peterson, MN. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service in Rushford, and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.
Tributes
"Dear Johnson Family, I was so sorry to learn of Darleen's passing. She was a great lady. My brother, Richard Johnson and I visited LeRoy and Darlene a few years ago and enjoyed it so much. My memory is when I was a young girl and we were attending a Bridal Shower for Darlene at the Henrytown Church and Janet Johnson and I were running around and around outside the church. It was a fun memory. I wonder if Janet remembers that. Love and blessings to you all. Kathie (Johnson) Haynes, Canton"
"What amazing parents you had...both of them were such examples of devotion to their children and grandchildren. Duane and I always looked up to them. We are so sorry we had to miss her funeral...but we continue to pray for you during this Christmas season. Much love, Duane and Shirley Agrimson "
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family "
"Oh, Darleen?s family?just read in the Rochester paper of your Mother?s death. Extending to you my deepest sympathy. Darleen was such a special lady to us Stork children, and such a wonderful friend to our Mother, Junice . Both she & LeRoy were good friends to our family. She will be deeply missed by you all & by so very many people. She was one of a kind!! With deepest sympathy, Kathryn Stork Hollman"
"My thoughts and prayers are for you Judy & Steven Oian family"
"Sorry to hear of Darleen?s passing. She was a good woman who raised a good family and lived a good life. Am sure she missed her Leeroy and now they can be together in heaven with a God who loves us all! Prayers for comfort and peace in this sad time. Donna and Jerome Bacon (Ft Myers, Fl) (Son of Clifford and Beatta Bacon)"
"You have our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother. She was a beautiful lady. We remember her with a smile on her face. May your memories comfort you at this time."
"To the entire Johnson family, we are sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you for comfort in the days ahead and may the memories you all share, make you smile! "
"I know your Dad was waiting for her when she passed, they are both looking down on all of you with Smiles and love for you all. They will always be watching over you."
"To Mike, Sandy, Braden and Brittney thoughts and prayers to you all and the rest of the Johnson families. From our working together you always spoke so highly of your parents. They are together now and looking down upon all of you with smiles on their faces as to raising all of you. Take care, hugs Ellen and Tim "