Elaine Amelia Johnson

A service to commemorate the life of Elaine Amelia Johnson, age 95, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 13, 2024, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Marshall, Minnesota. Interment to follow at Marshall Cemetery, with a meal and fellowship to be held at the church afterward. Visitation will take place at the church from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., prior to the service.

Elaine Amelia Halvorson was born on June 20, 1929, to Johnnie and Amelia (Possail) Halvorson on their family farm in Lincoln County, Minnesota. She spent her early years in Minneota before her family moved to Marshall when she was 10 years old. Elaine was baptized at Hemnes Lutheran Church in Minneota and confirmed at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Marshall. She graduated from Marshall High School in 1947 and began working at the Lyon County Federal Bank, where she served as a secretary and bookkeeper. She was extremely proud of her precise bookkeeping skills. 

While attending First English Lutheran Church in Marshall, Elaine joined the choir, which led her to meet the love of her life, Howard Johnson. They were married on October 22, 1950, and spent 60 wonderful years together, raising four children and making their forever home in Marshall. Elaine devoted her early years to being a homemaker before joining Howard in the family business, E.A. Johnson Produce, where they worked in agricultural feed and seed sales. She and Howard retired together in 2008 after a fulfilling, lifelong career.

Elaine was deeply involved in 4-H during her youth. She was crowned the 1946 Lyon County Style Queen, the same year Polio shut down the Minnesota State Fair. In 2015, Elaine was awarded her purple ribbon to recognize the honor she received in 1946. She was known for her love of fashion, shopping & decorating. Elaine enjoyed sewing clothes for her family and in her younger years also like a competitive game of bridge. Elaine felt a deep and life-long sense of sacrifice as part of a Gold Star Family after her brother Earl went missing in action during World War II. She was honored to lay his memory to rest with a proper military service after his submarine remains were discovered in the China Sea three years ago. Most important to Elaine was her deep love and devotion to her family. 

Elaine passed away peacefully on Monday, September 9, 2024, in Marshall surrounded by loved ones. She lived a vibrant 95 years, 2 months, and 19 days. Her memory will forever shine brightly in our lives.

Elaine is survived by her four children: Deborah Anderson of Marshall, Bob Johnson (Layne Tidwell) of Miami, FL, John Johnson of Athens, GA, and Thomas (Christine) Johnson of Watkinsville, GA. She also leaves behind two grandchildren, Jacque (Lee) Weidauer of Dell Rapids, SD, and Angelique (Arséne) Lakpa of Atlanta, GA; four great-grandchildren: Olivia, Elin, and Boden Weidauer, and Azélie Lakpa; as well as nieces, nephews, and friends.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Johnnie and Amelia Halvorson; her husband, Howard; and her four siblings: Elvira Kiel, Ervin Halvorson, Earl Halvorson, and Eunice Gniffke.