Norma Johnson, of Jordan, passed away December 19, 2016 at the age of 88. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, December 23, 2016 at 11:00 AM with visitation from 9:30 – 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Jordan. Reverend Jeremy Glowicki will preside. Mark Hodapp, David Carlson, Patrick Bendzick, Mitch Morlock, Gary Baumgard, Jeremy Johnson, Jacob Johnson, and Nathan Johnson will act as pallbearers. Makayla Johnson will act as honorary pallbearer. Norma will be laid to rest at Spirit Hill Cemetery in Jordan.
On July 14, 1928, Norma May was born to parents Fred and Caroline (Tietz) Bohnsack. Norma was the second youngest and loved growing up on the family farm in rural Lanesburg with her siblings, Ehler, Margie, Adeline, Ruth and Valdene. Norma attended school through the 8 th grade and was confirmed on March 29, 1942.
As a young woman, Norma met the love of her life, George W. (Johnny) Johnson, Jr. Norma and George exchanged wedding vows on May 2, 1947 at the Lanesburg Lutheran Parsonage. They had a wonderful marriage and loved each other deeply. Norma and George settled in Jordan where they raised their three sons, Jeffrey, Robert and Paul. They were also blessed with a foster son, Steven Martin.
When the boys were young, Norma was a homemaker, and she took care of everything. She cleaned the house, did the laundry, cooked, baked, repaired things, and did anything else her boys needed. She was a wonderful wife and mother. George and Norma liked to spend time with their family at cabins on Lake Jefferson and Round Lake in Waterville.
In Norma’s younger years before children, she began working at the Hamburger Home and Simmons Hardware in Jordan. When the boys were a little older, Norma returned to work at Miller Tool, Norwesco and Fluoroware. Norma was a hard worker and a good employee. When she wasn’t working, she enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, sewing, embroidery and reading. Norma was also a Minnesota Twins fan and always had the game on TV.
Although Norma had many hobbies, the most important things in her life were her family and her faith. In 1985, Norma’s life was changed forever when her beloved George died suddenly. It was because of her deep faith and strong determination that Norma made it through this difficult time. Family became even more important in Norma’s life. She cherished the time she spent with her sisters and Aunt Esther. They loved to shop, go to garage sales and enjoy a cup of coffee together. She also had a great relationship with her sister-in-law, Barb Johnson, who was always a loyal friend to Norma.
Throughout her life, Norma was a loving wife, mother and sister, but she especially loved being a grandma to her four grandchildren. She loved to spoil them with candy runs to Radermachers and frequent trips to the Lagoon Park. Norma was kind, caring, and known to all as a strong woman.
During the early morning hours of December 19, 2016, Norma passed away peacefully and went home to be with the Lord. Norma is survived by her sons, Robert (Cyndi) Johnson of Jordan, Paul (Mary) Johnson of Le Center; daughter-in-law, Ann Johnson of River Falls, WI; grandchildren, Jeremy, Jacob, Nathan and Makayla; sisters, Ruth Carlson and Valdene Hodapp.
Norma will be greeted in Heaven by her husband, George W. (Johnny) Johnson, Jr.; son, Jeffrey Johnson; siblings, Ehler Bohnsack, Margie Kovich and Adeline Baumann.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation proudly serves the Johnson family. www.BallardSunderFuneral.com
