Grace M. Johnson

Grace M. Johnson, 96 of Kerkhoven, died Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at her home in Kerkhoven. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 20, 2024 at Salem Covenant Church near Pennock. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Sunday at the church, and for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Arrangements are with the Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar.              www.hafh.org

Grace Mildred Johnson was born on August 1, 1927 in Willmar, the daughter of John and Esther (Anderson) Engstrom. She grew up in Willmar and graduated from Willmar High School in 1945. She continued her education at teacher’s training in Litchfield. She was united in marriage to Vernice Johnson on August 28, 1948, at Salem Covenant Church. They were happily married for one month shy of 75 years, before his death on July 17, 2023. The couple dairy farmed until retirement, when they enjoyed wintering in Texas.

She was an active member of Salem Covenant Church where she served as a deaconess, was part of the Women’s Ministry, and taught Sunday School and Bible School. She was a faithful mother and Christian role model to her five children, extending down to her great grandchildren. She enjoyed embroidering, gardening, canning, sewing clothes for her family, and especially quilting, making numerous quilts through the years.

Grace is survived by her children: Vernell (Diann) Johnson, Ron (Karen) Johnson, Karen (Dan) Riley, Larry (Paulette) Johnson, and Jayne (Todd) Van Zee; grandchildren: David (Alisa), Philip, Eric, and Katie Johnson, Bridget (Alex) Kinnell, Ben (Tia) Johnson, Becky (Eric) Peterson, Darcy (Tom) Froehlich, Krista (Nathan) Miller, Kari (Mike) Termont, and Kelli (Josh) Johnson, Jordan (Ceena), Jared (Jessica), Justin, and Jonah (Sarah) Johnson, Kayla, Nathan (Elli), and Micah (Sara) Van Zee; 35 great-grandchildren; and sister, Arlene Carlson.

Grace was preceded in death by her husband; parents; great-grandson, Bear Johnson and brother, Marlin Engstrom.

Her family would like to thank everyone for the many expressions of kindness, support, and love you have shown us during our time of loss. Your thoughtfulness has been a comforting blessing to each of us.