Alice L Johnson

Alice L. Johnson was born April 23, 1923, in Fillmore County, Minnesota, to Henry and Gena Erickson. She was the youngest of the children. Alice passed away on January 15, 2011, at Zilber Hospice in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Alice attended Olson School in rural Mabel, where all her classmates, except one, were relatives. In addition, she was related to the school teacher. Plus, the teacher was a relative too. On April 20, 1940, she married Merlin D. Johnson in Decorah, Iowa. They had two children--Gloria in 1941 and Dennis in 1943. They farmed in the Choice, Minnesota, area (Alice did not really take to being a farmer's wife), until they were flooded out in the early 1940's. Following this, they moved to Preston and then La Crescent. From there, Alice and Merlin relocated to Wisconsin and, eventually Milwaukee, where they lived, worked, and retired.

After retirement, she enjoyed traveling throughout the United States with her husband and later their daughter. She visited 34 of the 50 states, along with trips to Canada (for fishing) and Mexico. In addition, she enjoyed attending plays and concerts. Willie Nelson was a big favorite.

Alice loved her family very much. Her will, determination

and love for her family kept her strong during her illness. Those who knew and loved her knew her to be a feisty Norwegian with a big heart.

Alice is survived by her daughter Gloria and four granddaughters Tina (Steve), Denise, Brandi and Stacy (Paul); four great grandsons Joshua (Brittany), Michael (Alissa), James, and Justin; and four great, great grandchildren Jaden, Brayden, Gracelyn and Sophie; and a sister-in-law Frances Scharberg. She is further survived by nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Merlin; her son Dennis; a great granddaughter Kendall Rose; her parents Henry and Gena; by two brothers and six sisters: Mabel, Elmer, Clifford, Gladys, Helen, Eva, Doris, and Esther.

Alice's long life is worth celebrating. She wasn't rich and she certainly wasn't famous. But, she had everything, because she had the love of her family. She leaves behind a lot of love and happy memories.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 13, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at Garness Trinity Lutheran Church, followed by interment in the church cemetery.

If desired, donations can be made in her name to Garness Trinity Lutheran Church, Mabel, Minnesota.