Evangeline "Vangie" Victoria Johanson

Evangeline “Vangie” Victoria Johanson was born in Pine City, Minnesota on July 3, 1920, to John and Mary (Gardner) Peil. She grew up in Pine City with her 19 siblings. She married Wendell Johanson in 1937. They lived together in Pine City for a few years before moving to St. Paul where they raised their four beautiful daughters: Beverly, Pearl, Karen, and Joie. They moved back to Pine City after Wendell retired. Vangie was a good cook and an excellent baker. Pies were her specialty. She enjoyed growing roses, traveling throughout the United States, and watching Minnesota Twins baseball. Vangie was actively involved at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church where she was a member. Spending time with her family was what she loved the most. Evangeline died Sunday, October 30th at Fairview-Lakes Medical Center in Wyoming, Minnesota at the age of 91. She will be missed greatly by her family and friends. Evangeline is survived by her daughters, Beverly and her husband Gary Gahler of Pine City, Minnesota; Pearl and her husband Jim Rantz of Lino Lakes, Minnesota; Karen and her husband Bill Gagnon of Wells, Maine; Joie and her husband Gordy Nelson of Pine City, Minnesota; 14 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; and one sister Mabel Thieman of Sandstone, Minnesota. Evangeline was preceded in death by her parents, John & Mary Peil; husband Wendell Johanson; and 18 brothers and sisters. A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of Pine City with Reverend Vicki VanderVegt and Reverend Ron Boettner officiating. Music was provided by Jennifer Hansmann and Glenna Reierson. Casket bearers were Gary J. Gahler, Tom Gahler, Mike Rantz, Bill Rantz, Steve Rantz, Rick Wells, Keith Wells, Eric Nelson, and Jay Nelson. Interment was at Birchwood Cemetery, Pine City, Minnesota. Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Evangeline Johanson were with the: Funeral and Cremation Service - Swanson Chapel of Pine City.