Elaine Joyce (Kiecker) Johnson was born in a log house on her family farm south of Lake Lillian, Minnesota, on October 21, 1927. She passed away on January 8, 2026, at the age of 98.

Elaine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Miles Johnson; her son, Mark Johnson; her parents, William and Emma Kiecker; and her brother, Richard Kiecker.

Elaine devoted her life to caring for others. She was a registered nurse (RN) and worked at St. Mary’s Hospital and Miller Dwan Hospital for more than 40 years, serving her patients with compassion and dedication. For many years, Elaine also spent her vacations as the camp nurse at Bethel Bible Camp, combining her faith and nursing vocation in service to others.

A proud Minnesotan, Elaine was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Duluth, where her faith and sense of community were central to her life. She loved the water, and she and Miles enjoyed retirement at Island Lake north of Duluth. Elaine was known for her hospitality and joyful spirit, always welcoming family and friends into her home with the belief that “the more the merrier.” She especially loved loading the pontoon boat with as many people as possible and motoring around the lake, creating lasting memories filled with laughter and togetherness.

Elaine is survived by her daughter, Chari McBride (Kevin), and her son, Ross K. Johnson; her grandchildren, Christopher McBride, Kelly McBride (Aaron Grimm), Madison Johnson, Taylor Johnson, and Matthew Johnson (son of Mark Johnson and Ann Loiselle Hoffman); and her great-grandchildren, Lucie and Charlotte Saliin, and Penny and Eddy McBride.

Visitation will be held on January 19 at 1:00 p.m. at the Cremation Society of Minnesota – Duluth, with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m.