"You?ll be missed, once a neighbor to you, had a lutefisk dinner with her family , definitely not my favorite, the lefse was great, I think its an aquired taste the lutefisk, it was definitely an honor to have known you a little bit, may you rest in peace"
In loving memory of
Martha Johnson
March 28, 1916 - July 10, 2021
Martha Sophia Evangeline Johnson nee Rydeen
Martha lived to be 105 years old. Her light faded away on July 10, 2021. She was born in Clearbrook, Minnesota on March 28, 1916 to Edward and Louella Rydeen. She graduated from Clearbrook High School in 1933. She married Martin H. Johnson on April 28, 1934. They lived in Clearbrook, Bagley, Oslo, and in 1949 they settled in Fremont, Minnesota. They had four children Donald, Derald, David and Mary. Martha was very active with her North Prairie Lutheran Church. She taught Sunday school for 35 years. She was a member of several clubs; Lewiston Flower Society, Fremont Birthday Club, Fremont Sunshine Club, North Prairie Church Circle, Sons of Norway and the Audubon Society. She assisted Don with the Minnesota Handihams radio activities. Martha made delicious cakes and was featured in the newspaper for her Vinatart. She was self-employed as an Independent Displayer for Home Interior Decorators for 21.5 years. She was their National Princess twice and Queen of her unit multiple times. After Martin passed, Martha became the main caretaker of their son Donald. When he passed away in 2004, she then became the Storekeeper for the Fremont Store. Martha was inducted into the Winona County Hall of Fame. Grandmother to Terry (Linda) Johnson, Nyla (Marty) Holzer, Tammy Monahan, Lori (Dan) Johnson, Brenda (Bill) Kroening, Lisa (Manuel) Silva, and Tony (Elise) Nahrgang. Great Grandchildren: Jacob (Erin), Justin (Morgan), Mathew, Tyler, Benji, Crystal (Cruz), Carrie (Dominic), Katie (Andrew), Kyle, Taylor (Bianca), Kaylee, Meghan, Alyssa, Kassandra, Christopher, Sean, Ethan, Ashten, Natasha, and Zaida. Great-Great Grandchildren: America, Zaniel, Kaydence, Dominic Jr., Zach, Sophia, Jacob, Charlie, Ryder and Adaline. Preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers, 3 sisters, husband Martin, 2 sons, Donald and Derald, and one Great-Great grandchild Ashlynn.
Funeral Service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, July 17, 2021 at North Prairie Lutheran Church (35957 State Highway 30, Lanesboro). Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Friday at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service - St. Charles and one hour prior the service on Saturday. Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share a memory of Martha and sign her online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com
Tributes
"Our sincere sympathy to Martha\'s family. She was a beautiful lady, and always remembered our class of 1953. Donny was our special classmate, always smiling, just like his mother. We attended a couple of Martha\'s birthday parties, and are amazed at her strength and memory."
"Moving to Fremont 40+ years ago, to my husband\'s home farm, the Johnsons were my neighbors right across the road. Eventually, they became the neighbors down the \"block\" and owned the Fremont store. We have so many wonderful memories of our good neighbors, the Johnsons. In recent years my visits to the store became more and more special. Martha ALWAYS asked how my boys/wives, were doing and the grandkids. She remembered so many things I would tell her. I found that remarkable, esp. with her age but mostly because she visited with so many people each day. She would bug Bill a lot, but mostly about not taking me dancing. She was the mayor of Fremont and kept an eye on the \"sidewalk engineers\" who kept tabs on the neighborhood. I will miss everything that is Martha. Thank you dear, sweet lady who made me feel special every time I went to the store. The \"stay longer next time\" always felt good. Rest in peace, Martha, until we meet again. Barb Baer"
"Annette Burt July 16, 2021 Growing up on a farm not far from Fremont, I went many times with my father to the Fremont Store -- such fond memories. Years later Martha invited me to her home to do a decorating show as she was interested in doing Donny\'s room; her personality was impressive as well as her work ethics, and I recruited her as a displayer for Home Interiors & Gifts (located Dallas TX). She became one of the nation\'s top saleswomen. I\'ve loved going to visit her and taking others with me to meet this amazing woman. I will miss her. "
"To Martha\'s family. There are never enough words to express our sadness, when a friend of so many years passes away. Our most sincere sympathy to you all. Her accomplishments were many. We always enjoyed her stories, while visiting with her. She was a true gem! "
"So many wonderful conversations with her when we would visit the store. "
"Mary, Roger, and family - We are so sorry we will not be able to attend the services for Martha but will catch up with you when we return home. She sure lived a wonderful life with your help over these last several years. It was so fun to see all the pictures that Lisa posted of her from childhood on. May all these memories of your mom live on forever. She was truly one of a kind. Love, Mark & Deb Bartelson "
"Visiting Martha at the Fremont Store was always a special treat each summer. It was like stepping back in time into a living history lesson. What wonderful memories generations of us will treasure!"
"Our love and prayers to you. Your mother was a delightful and beautiful lady. I will always remember her still knowing all of the class of \'53. Happy memories of Donny too."
"Mary and family, Helen and her family, David and his family, Dennis and I, want to give all of you our deepest sympathy. The last days I was with Aunt Martha, will always be in my heart. She was a wonderful, caring person, and much more. Love you Aunt Martha"