Obituary of Elsie D. Johnson

Elsie Johnson of Duluth, MN went to her heavenly home on July 9, 2018. She was born on September 15, 1925 in Duluth to Swan and Marie Pearson. She was the youngest of six children. Brothers included Ernie, Clarence, and George; and sisters were Clara Draznin and Lil Johnson. Elsie graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1943 and married Richard (Dick) Johnson on November 16, 1946. They started their family in 1948 and had five sons over the next 11 years. They built a cabin at Lake Elora in Canyon, MN in the early 1950s. Family and friends have many fond memories of good times spent together there. Elsie was a stay-at-home mom until her youngest son started school. She then started a career as secretary at Lester Park School and enjoyed 20 years there. Elsie and Dick joined the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in 1947 and were actively involved in its ministries. She continued to volunteer in the church's welcome center and maintain communion records until she was in her late 80s. She enjoyed a variety of games and activities with family and friends. In addition to her Pearson family, Elsie was preceded in death by her infant son Tommy in 1955, her husband Dick in 1987, and her son Ron in 2012. She is survived by sons Larry (Sharon) of Bella Vista, AR, Gordy (Colleen) of Canyon, MN, and Glen (Laura) of Proctor, MN, and daughter-in-law Kathy Johnson of Ponte Vedra , FL. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Greg (Heather) Johnson, Michele (Tom) Johnson, Keven (Stephanie) Johnson, Brent (Breanna) Johnson, Kurt (Missy) Johnson, Cristy (Chris) Hilton, Tyler Johnson, and Jenna Johnson. She also left 15 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, brother-in-law Don Johnson who is married to Elsie's long-time friend Joyce of Elk Grove, CA and many friends. Visitation will be at 1 P.M. Monday July 16, 2018 followed by a 2 P.M. service at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 45th Ave. E. and Colorado St., Duluth, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Alzheimer's Association or Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.