Edna Lucille Johnson


Edna L. Johnson, 99, Moose Lake, died on September 3, 2011 in Villa Vista Care Center, Cromwell. Edna was born May 15, 1912, in Portland, North Dakota, to Christine and Matthew Styrwoll. She was three weeks old when they moved to Thief River Falls, Minnesota. The family lived in Thief River Falls for five years, then moved to Duluth where Edna was raised and attended school. After graduating from high school, she did domestic work in private homes and later did waitress work in Duluth. Her folks moved to Lawler and East Lake in the 1930's.


Edna met and married Norman Johnson in 1949, in McGregor, Minnesota. In February of 1951, they traveled to Alaska to work for a contractor and spent twenty years living and working there. During a portion of their years in Alaska, she worked in an Army unit in "Inventory".

In 1970, they moved back to Moose Lake, Minnesota, and settled on Sand Lake where they built a new home. Norm died in 1977. Edna was a member of Hope Lutheran Church of Moose Lake and was very active in many things in the church. She was President of "Mary Circle" for many years.


Edna was preceded in death by her husband Norman, her parents Christine and Matthew Styrwoll, a sister Alice Lenz, brothers Olaf and Sigmund Styrwoll, nephew Olaf Styrwoll.

She is survived by one brother, Lloyd Styrwoll (Joyce), nephews and nieces with whom she was very close, Lloyd G. Styrwoll (Linda), Sharon Vanderport (Richard), Connie Styrwoll, Sandra Severson (Jerry), Jason Styrwoll (Karen) and Ann Sanderson (Jim), as well as many relatives in Norm's family, especially nephews Dick Huhta (Elaine), Jim Huhta (Janie) and Jack Huhta .


Edna was loved and will be greatly missed by the children of her nephew and nieces, all of whom have known her as a very "special grandma": Lindsey, Brian, and Matthew Styrwoll, Amber Daily (Quentin), Ryan Severson (Jessica), Wendy Vanderport, Eileen Loomis (David), and nine "great grandchildren." She also had many close friends, including Norma and Ernie Holmstrom and Millie Paulson, who were always there for her and who were truly family in her heart.


…"And many friends I'd like to give thanks to: Hazel Bradford, Norma Holmstrom & Millie Paulson for all the help when needed." -- Edna

Visitation was held from 10 until the 11 am service on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 in Hope Lutheran Church, Moose Lake. Pastor Reggie Denton officiated. Burial was in Woodland Cemetery, McGregor at 3:00 on Wednesday.