"What a sweet lady Madelia was. I got the pleasure of getting to know Madelia when I started working at the church. One fond memory was made on the day of her 90th birthday. She happened to come into the church for something (probably quilting) and I wished her a happy 90th birthday, and she was stunned. "How did you know that?" she asked. I told her, "Madelia, I'm the secretary, I know everything!" She replied "nobody was to know that today!" What a grand lady she was and I will miss her. She always made me smile! She is making fine quilts in heaven now!"
In loving memory of
Madelia Walker Johanson
December 3, 1919 - July 6, 2012
Madelia's family suggests memorials to be given to Trinity Lutheran Church for church projects.
Madelia Margaret Walker Johanson was born December 3, 1919, at rural Whittemore, Iowa to Carl and Meta (Wolter) Vigdal. She was raised near Lotts Creek and attended Lotts Creek School. On February 4, 1945, Madelia was united in marriage to Melvin Walker. He passed away on February 1, 1962. She raised her family of five children and married once again to Everett Johanson on November 28, 1975. He passed away on May 6, 1995.
Madelia worked several jobs to raise her family including cleaning wild game for hunters, worked at Good Samaritan Society - Algona, was administrator of the Kossuth County Care Facility for several years and cleaned homes for people. She also worked at the Whittemore Golf Club for 10 years, the Algona Sale Barn for 26 years and also worked at Pioneer for 25 years.
Madelia was a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona and a member of the quilting group for approximately 17 years. She was an awesome cook and enjoyed quilting, fishing, bird watching, spending time at coffee with her friends, her flower garden and gambling at area casinos. Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she loved very much.
Surviving are her five children, Dennis Walker of Burt, Iowa, Diane Fritz of Titonka, Iowa, Betty and husband Merle Ricklefs of Woden, Iowa, Sue and husband Steve Bruhn of Fenton, Iowa and Mike Walker and special friend Carol Bode of Algona. Also surviving are four step-children, Karen Wegner of Swea City, Iowa, Dale Johanson and wife Teresa of Swea City, Iowa, Delores and husband Phil Goraczkowski of Granada, Minnesota and Wendy and husband Mike Novak of Ft. Dodge, Iowa, eight grandchildren, numerous step grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren and one sister-in-law Alvina Walker of Emmetsburg, Iowa. Madelia was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands, three brothers, Everett Vigdal, Lorenz Vigdal and Raymond Vigdal, one son-in-law, Dennis Fritz and one step son-in-law Jerry Wegner of Swea City.
Tributes
"Our sincere sympathy to Madelia's family. She was resilient- came back several times from serious illness. It was a privilege for me to celebrate the Lord's Supper with her - to witness her faith! We pray that you may find comfort in God's promise - whoever believes in Jesus Christ has eternal life. May God's peace be yours! Pastor Henry and Evelyn Friedrich"
"Sue & Denny Sorry to hear about your Mom. She & my Mom were good friends while living at the Algona Manor the short time they were together. Our thoughts & prayers are with your family. Terry & Wanda Tieman"
"Walker family, You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Rely on the wonderful memories you have of your mom and grandma. What a legacy she has left each and everyone of you. She has taught you to work hard, but mostly to enjoy life.. I think of that cute laugh of hers and how her eyes would twinkle. I'm so glad I got to know her though Betty and soon knew all the rest of the Walker family, each one of you are remarkable people and your mom lives through each and everyone of you. God truly blessed you with an awesome mother, God is Good. Consider yourself hugged and in the arms of Jesus to get you through the days ahead. Much love to you all and God Bless. Donnie and Marcia Beisch"
"Madelia has been a dear friend for over 35 years. I'll miss her. I'll never forget giving her a ride in a convertible, it was her first time and the time she followed me in her car to coffee. I made it through the intersection before it turned yellow, she followed and was stop by the police and given a warning. She's never let me forget that. Whta fun it is remembering her humor."
"Diane and families.. I so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. It is never easy to lose your parent but just remember you now have another angel watching you.with deepest sympathy"
"Grandma Jo was always known as "Grandma No! No!"... she would shake her finger at us, yet have a twinkle in her eye... she shaped us into the people we are today. I have learned to live by her example, to become the person I am today... hardworking, loving, faithful. Grandma, you now have your Angel wings... go be with those who have passed before and be at peace. I love you Grandma Jo, you will be greatly missed. Thanks for all the memories and years you gave to us! - Sheila Stevensen"
"This morning at 8:50 a.m. my Mother, Madelia Walker Johanson, passed away to join her Heavenly Father in Heaven. She had a heart of gold and will be greatly missed ! Arrangements are with Oakcrest funeral home in Algona. Visitation will take place Monday from 4 - 8 p.m. The funeral will be at Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona on Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. - Sue Bruhn"
"RIP Grandma Joe. Going to miss you! - Skyler Iski"
"RIP Grandma! She passed away this morning. Both of my Grandma's are now gone! - Crystal Bauer"
"Grandmothers are a source of wisdom and inspiration. This morning I lost one of the strongest women I knew. She lived 97 wonderful years and so many memories were made with her. She held our family together and I already miss her beyond belief. I can only hope to be half the woman she was. Revelation 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." - Sally Milligan "
"R.I.P gma Jo you were a great woman and will truly be missed!!! love you!!! - Samantha Opheim"
""If you Slow Down, You Start to Rust!" this was something my Grandma Jo said to me many years ago, and I believe the truth in it's words! Grandma Jo passed away yesterday morning. She was truely a Hero to me and So Many Others! Her Heart was Tremendous! and she was so Giving. Her Wisdom and Determination was always there! and Her Wit!! She would always have us in stiches at some point during any givin visit! :) Oh, the Stories we all have of Her! Grandma, you lived a Wonderful short 92yrs! I Love You So Dearly and You will be Missed more than words can say! - Debi Iski"
"I always enjoyed playing cards and the sunday drives we used to take! I just saw Madelia at the manor saturday noon and she was her old self giving me a bad time about something! Denny,Mike,Susie, Betty and Diane keep the memories alive! Madelia will be missed by alot of people! I am so grateful to have known her! Love and Prayers to all! Jean Detrick"
"What a dear lady she keep me one my toes as I eldered on Saturday service. Always a wonderful comeback no matter what I said to her. She made me look forward to Saturday night. "
"Madelia was a long time member of the Trinity Lutheran Quilters. She worked tirelessly alongside her friends to make countless quilts for Lutheran World Relief. She sewed, she cut, she tied she did whatever was needed to make quilts to cover and comfort those less fortunate. We, her friends, the quilters,will always remember all the countless times spent sitting side by side working to make a difference in someone else's life. Madelia was a wonderful worker and and even more wonderful "giver". Madelia gave first of her heart then her hands. You will be forever in our hearts. Your friends, The Trinity Lutheran Quilters"
"Oh my, Madelia, my dear friend that taught me sew much. I have sew many wonderful memories of her and I quilting together, well actually she tied and I ironed. Bless her heart she always felt I was late and I always thought I was on time. So there our fun began.... I can't count how many "looks" I got over the top of her glasses with the reply "you are late!!" She also worked hard at trying to keep me on task. My job was to iron and countless times there again I was found admiring a piece of fabric or talking to my neighbor. She would look up over the top of her glasses once again and tell me promptly to get back to work. As it turned out, I never did beat her to church and I always talked to much but she loved me anyway. Madelia changed my life I will forever have her in my heart and will be forever grateful for all she left me....cherished forever quilting memories, no better gift given no better gift recieved. Thank you Madellia you made my life fun. "