Wanda M. Johnson

Wanda M. Johnson

Wanda M. Johnson, age 101 of Turtle Lake, ND passed away peacefully on February 27, 2013 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Turtle Lake.

Funeral Services will be held 10:30 A.M. Saturday, March 2nd at Trinity Lutheran Church in Turtle Lake with Pastor George Schuessler officiating. Interment will follow in the South St. Olaf Cemetery of rural Turtle Lake.

Wanda was born March 11, 1911 in Yonkers, New York to Frank & Salomea (Gaska) Wlazlo. In 1914, her family moved to Holyoke, Massachusetts where Wanda attended school. Due to the economic effects of the Great Depression, she and her family returned to Yonkers, NY in November 1927 where her father returned to work at the Alexander Smith Carpet Factory. Wanda found employment with the Metropolitan Life Insurance home office in New York City. She worked for Metropolitan Life for 19 years, resigning in July 1948. While in New York City, Wanda was actively involved with the Woman’s Institute Club. She met Arvid N. Johnson at a Federated Women’s Club dance in New York City while he was visiting the city along with a friend from Fort Dix, New Jersey. A few days later, Arvid was commissioned overseas. Arvid and Wanda were married on July 18, 1948 in New York City. Together, they made their home on a farm south of Turtle Lake, ND. Wanda worked side by side with her husband for many years and raised two children. She loved gardening and growing flowers, which she often shared for the church altar. Wanda was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed painting in her later years. Wanda always said that she loved to work and didn’t have time to sit down. She held a soft spot for animals and loved her “grandcats”, Hannar, Annie, & Angel. Wanda was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and active with the W.E.L.C.A. group. She received the Certificate of Participation with Distinction from the Turtle Lake Hospital Auxiliary in recognition of her many years of contributions. Wanda also received a membership award from the Turtle Lake Community Credit Union for her 45 years of patronage. She served as an election clerk for many years, a Girl Scout Leader for 5 years, a Farmers Union youth leader for 13 years, and as Treasurer of the Turtle Lake-Mercer Art Association. Wanda and Arvid enjoyed traveling on Farmers Union bus trips, visiting many locations across the country.

She is survived by her son, Norman and wife Ruth Johnson of Turtle Lake; one daughter, Norma Johnson of Fargo; two grandchildren, Briana (Rod) Lassey of Cartwright, ND, and Kimberlee Johnson of Grand Forks; four great-grandchildren, Christian, Anders, Isaak, & Brittastina Lassey; several nieces and nephews, including two special nieces, Barbara Schaubel of Sugar Grove, IL, & Wanda Russo of San Diego, CA.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband Arvid (in 1996), & five siblings (Roman, Ludwik, Stella, Sophie, & Frank).

Provide condolences and sign the guestbook at www.goetzfuneralhomes.com

(Goetz Funeral Homes – Turtle Lake)

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