Irene Mae Johnson

Irene Johnson, age 99, of Minneota, Minnesota, died on Friday, November 22, 2019, at her home with family and caregivers by her side. Memorial Services are 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 26, 2019, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minneota, Minnesota. Private Interment will be at a later date in the Westerheim Cemetery, rural Minneota, Minnesota. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday, November 25, 2019, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall, Minnesota. A Prayer Service is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 26, 2019, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minneota.

Irene Mae Schwartz was born on May 16, 1920, to Robert and Anna Schwartz, in Hasonville Township, near Canby, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith while growing up on the family farm. She attended country school and then continued to help her folks on the farm. Irene met Mr. Orlando G. Johnson at a dance some years later.

On July 2, 1944, Irene and Orlando were united in marriage in Minneota, Minnesota. While raising 5 children, the couple made their home and farmed in rural Minneota. Irene was a devoted farm wife and homemaker and loving mother to her children. She was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minneota, serving with the Ladies Aide. In the early 2000s, Irene lived in Dawson with her daughter, Monica, for about 8 years and then moved back to the farm for her remaining years with her son, DuWayne.

Irene enjoyed refinishing furniture, gardening, flowers, baking, cooking, and helping her neighbors. She went to many auctions with Orlando and enjoyed antiquing. Irene was always up for a game of Bingo but she loved and lived to support her family.

Irene Johnson entered her Heavenly home on November 22, 2019, just 6 months shy of her 100th birthday. Blessed be her memory.

She is survived by her children, Daniel (and Lynda) Johnson of Naples, FL, Barbara (and Noel) Ness of Eugene, OR, Darlene Noyes of Dawson, DuWayne Johnson of Minneota, Monica (and Kevin) Bothun of Dawson; 7 grandchildren, Derek Johnson of Excelsior, Lisa Johnson of Minneapolis, Wade Noyes (Brittany Stennes) of Victor, ID, Melanie (and Ray) Bridenstine of Lakewood, CO, Billy Joe (and Hope) Bothun of Alba, MO, Cheri (and Aaron) Ziemer of Marshall, Dustin Bothun of Dawson; 7 great-grandchildren, Macey Johnson, Sage Bridenstine, Emerson Bridenstine, Ashton Bothun, Harrison Bothun, Layne Ziemer, Madi Ziemer; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Anna Schwartz; husband, Orlando Johnson in 1976; and 7 siblings.