Lorraine Johnson

E. LORRAINE JOHNSON was born on December 25, 1923 in Dell Rapids, South Dakota to Olaf and Ida (Shellum) Berkeland. Lorraine was raised on the family farm west of Jasper, Minnesota. She attended Sunnycrest District 24 Country School in Minnehaha County South Dakota through 8th grade. She then attended Jasper High School, graduating in 1941. After completing her education, she worked for Home Light and Power in Jasper. Lorraine was united in marriage to Willis D. Johnson on April 16, 1946. After their marriage, the couple moved west of Pipestone until they moved into town in 1960. In 1968, Lorraine became employed with the Pipestone School District in the lunch program. Lorraine worked at the school for 29 years, before retiring on March 31, 1997. She remained active and involved in the community until the time of her death. Lorraine passed away at the Pipestone County Hospice House on Thursday, April 12, 2018, at the age of 94 years, three months, and 17 days.

Lorraine was a charter member of Christ the King Free Church in Pipestone, Minnesota, where she was a circle member, was on the board of trustees, and was president of the WMF until she moved to Jasper. She then became a active member of the Jasper Evangelical Lutheran Church where she was part of the WELCA. Aside from her church activities, she was also an active member of the Jasper American Legion Auxiliary, Jasper Historical Society, Vice President of the Jasper Senior Center, and was a member of the Sons of Norway. Above all things, Lorraine loved being around her friends and family members, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Lorraine was a kind woman that was willing to help anyone that needed it. She loved cooking and baking traditional Norwegian dishes; cookies were her specialty. She loved road trips and loved to travel. Lorraine enjoyed two trips to Norway and the Grand Canyon. Lorraine’s trips to local cemeteries on Memorial Day helped her express her love of history and pass it along to her family and friends.

She is lovingly remembered by her two sons, Jeff (Carol) of Jasper, Minnesota and Steve (Ceedy) of Pipestone; five grandchildren, James (Kristen) Johnson, Stephanie Tjaden, Pat (Carla) Bierne, Jon (Scarlett) Bierne, and Matt (Kellie) Taylor; 12 great grandchildren; one brother, Arnold (Arlene) Berkeland of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and many other loving nieces, nephews, family members, and friends. Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband, Willis on March 11, 1984; an infant daughter; one grandson, Thomas Bierne; and her parents.

***Memorials will be directed to the Jasper Evangelical Lutheran Church.***