"Thelma made my day anyday I went to work at Heritage Court. She was always in good spirits. Even when she felt ?dumpy? she was sweet as pie. She always reminded us that ?it was Minnesota? so anything the weather was doing we could count as needed and normal. And the crops needed rain and sunshine. She also often reminded us how wonderful the settlers felt when they finally found this beautiful area. Thelma was so gentle and kind. So loving and lovable. I so enjoyed going into her room and sitting with her and listening to her. I will miss her darly. My thoughts and prayers go out to thie family of this dear dear lady. "
In loving memory of
Thelma Johnston
August 30, 1926 - June 27, 2021
HOUSTON, MN - Thelma Johnston, 94, of Houston, MN passed away peacefully with
family by her side on Monday, June 27, 2021, at Gunderson Health System in La
Crosse, WI.
Thelma Corrine Morken was born on August 30, 1926, to Obert and Cora (Ekre)
Morken. She and her younger sister, Grace grew up on the family farm in
Yucatan Valley and attended Badger Country School. She graduated from Houston
High School in 1944, and Mounds-Midway Academy in St. Paul, MN as a registered
nurse in 1947. It was war time and since she and classmates were considered cadets,
the government paid for her education. After graduation she worked at the Veterans
Hospital in Minneapolis, MN.
Thelma later returned to Houston to marry Ralph Willis Johnston on March 19 th ,1949.
She loved all aspects of being a farm wife, including growing a large garden and
canning and freezing many fruits and vegetables.
Thelma worked as a registered nurse (RN) for several years at Valley View Nursing
Home in Houston. She was always proud of her RN status and would remind her
medical caregivers at Heritage Court that she too was once a medical professional,
most recently as she was getting the COVID vaccine. Her extended family always
consulted with her first if they had a medical question.
Thelma adored babies, which is probably why she had 5 children over 10 years. Always
the supportive mother, she enjoyed following her children's extra-curricular activities
and liked to watch her boys play all sports with the exception of football. (That must
have been the nurse in her). When asked once how she juggled 5 kids, part time work
and being a farm wife, she said, "It was fun and we were young."
In her later years, Thelma loved her morning coffee and going on drives through the
countryside with her children. Thelma is survived by her children: Marsha, Ruth, Steven
(Karen), Susan (Jay Kaskel) all of the Twin Cities, and David (Tammy) of Houston; three
grandchildren: Melissa (Dylan Burrow) Alison (Nick Culhane), and Carson; and great-
grandchildren: Tucker, Shelby, and Selene; nieces and nephews: Doug (Mary) Jore Joe, Bree, Therese, Bill Christensen, Marle Christensen (Maria Nardella), Lucas, Coral (Don Stengel).
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph and sister, Grace Jore.
Thelma was active in Garden Club, Women of the ELCA / Ladies aid, PTA, and Music
Mothers. She remained close to her friends from nursing school, attending regular
reunions.
There will be a funeral service for Thelma at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at
Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston with the Reverend Linda McPeak
officiating. Burial will be in the Stone Church Cemetery in rural Houston. Visitation will
be one hour prior to the service on Wednesday, at the church.
The family prefers memorials directed to Heritage Court, Cross of Christ Church, or
Gundersen Hospice.
Please leave a memory of Thelma and sign her online guestbook
at www.hofffuneral.com
Tributes
"Thelma was a good friend to my mother, Cora Wheaton, through church activities and then as residents of Heritage Court. I remember her sweet, friendly smile and her devotion to her family. My condolences to the Johnston family as you mourn her passing. - Arlene Wheaton, Grand Rapids, MN"
"So sorry to hear this.. our sympathy to the family.. i can see where steve gets his looks!!! jean and norden cegelske"
"My sympathy to family and friends. She was a sweet lady. "
"My sympathy to the Johnston family and to Thelma\'s friends. It was always a joy to see Thelma\'s beautiful smile at Cross of Christ services and events."
"Thelma was one of the nurses who helped orient me to the 3-11 shift at Valley View. I was sad when she retired, but she didn\'t want her husband to be alone so many evenings. She was a gracious lady and kind to all and will be missed by everyone who knew her. My sympathies go out to her family. Cheryl Eaton"
"My deepest condolences to the family of this lovely little lady, she was an amazing person with lots of love in her heart and always made people smile. I?m blessed to have known her for the past year and a half and will miss her dearly. "
"Johnston Family, I adored Thema. What a joy and light she brought to those around her. That smile of hers was contagious. You could tell her love for music when her toe was tapping to the beat or when she would dance. She often would talk about her children and you could tell the love they brought to her. She loved each and every one of you with her whole heart. She had unconditional love for everyone. She would take a hand or put her arm around your waste to just go for a walk and reminisce about old times. Thelma holds a forever special place in my heart. My condolences to the whole Johnston Family. Stacy Botcher"
"Your family has our sympathy. We remember your mother from the Assisted Living. It was always interesting to have a visit with Thelma as she could always carry on a good conversation and was interested in sharing her memories. Mike and Mary Rediske and Jean Wojahn"