Joy Opal Johnson

Joy Opal Johnson was born on October 6, 1930 to Nels and Frederica Pedersen in Askov, Minnesota. She grew up on a farm west of Askov; that provided her wonderful memories of good times spent with her parents and cousins. Joy married Lloyd Johnson January 18, 1948 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Askov. Joy and Lloyd, with their family of Pam, Debe and Perry lived in many different places. After leaving Askov they moved to Arizona, Moose Lake, Superior, Wisconsin, Robbinsdale, Cambridge and North Branch. She had a deep love of family and was proud of her Danish heritage. Joy had strong faith and love for Jesus and attended a monthly Christian women's bible study that she looked forward to. She enjoyed oil painting for many years and when her tremors made it difficult to paint, she took up stamping; making beautiful cards. She anticipated her weekly glitter gals stamping group. Joy had a green thumb and a love for gardening and flowers. She was the most happy when she could be digging in the dirt. Joy moved to Gracewood Senior Living in June of 2012 and spread her joy there as well. She quickly embraced her Gracewood "family" of staff and friends and they loved her. Her name completely described her, she brought joy to everyone she met. Joy passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at Gracewood Senior Living in North Branch at the age of 82 years. Joy is survived by her children Pam Olander of Hinckley, Debe Pearson and her husband Roger of Harris, and Perry Johnson and his wife Lori of Riverview, Florida; grandchildren: Nels Patrick Olander, Vicki (Galen) Marks, Jeni Olander, Tina (Steve) Woelber, Sarah (Jeff) Yonkovich, Scott Johnson, Bryan (Erin) Hedenstad, Krystal (Brandon)Hedenstad Ackley, Kaitlyn Hedenstad; great grandchildren: Dalton and Nikita Davis, Dana Marks, Connor Olander, Jacob, Tyler, and Becca Woelber, Joel Yonkovich, Allie Hedenstad, Taylor Ackley, sister Delpha Christensen and her husband Art of Sandstone and several nieces and nephews. Joy was preceded in death by her parents Nels & Victoria Pedersen, husband Lloyd, sisters Irma, Rhoda and Gladys. Reverend Catherine Hedmark officiated funeral services: 11:00 a.m. Monday March, 25, 2013 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Askov. A time of visitation and reviewal was held on Sunday afternoon from 2-5 p.m. at the Olson Chapel in Rush City and one hour prior to the funeral on Monday at Bethlehem Lutheran. Music was provided by Arla Budd, Tony Eklund and Kirsten Eklund. Casket bearers included: Nels Olander, Scott Johnson, Steve Woelber, Galen Marks, Gary Manty and Dalton Davis. The Harris American Legion Auxiliary Post 139 was present as honorary casket bearers. A spring interment is planned in the Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery in Askov. Joy requested memorials be donated to the Lupus Foundation or Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Funeral arrangements for Joy Johnson (Mrs. Lloyd Johnson) of North Branch are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City; Olson Chapel. www.funeralandcremationservice.com