Alida Dissmore

Alida Daisy Johnson was born on July 9, 1917 in Twin Lakes Twp. of Calhoun County in Iowa to Malvina Josephine (McLaughin) and John Cleveland Johnson. Alida passed away at home on February 22, 2005 at the age of 87 years. Alida was named for her grandmother, Daisy, and for her aunt, Carrie Alida, who died shortly after Alida's birth. In 1918, the family moved to Browerville and farmed there until 1926 when they moved to Menahga. At an early age, Alida suffered terribly from childhood arthritis and had to miss a full year of schooling. Each day Alida's mother massaged her joints to keep them fexible. Only one finger shows any lasting effect from that arthritic condition. Alida owned and operated a restaurant in Wadena for several years before her marriage to LeRoy Elwood Dissmore in 1965. Roy had children from a previous marriage. Together they raised turkeys for Peterson-Biddick Co. on a farm near Menahga. Roy died June 28, 1980. Alida, better know as "Butchie" to her sister Lillian's kids, was always a part of Lillian's family and their lives. Alida earned her nickname when she tried to name Richard, Lil's oldest boy, Butch. He turned the name around on her and the name stuck. Butchie and Roy were close friends with Herb and Lil. They camped and canoed together and all family holidays were spent together. Alida returned to the family home after Roy's death to help care for her father in his illness. She and Lillian lived side by side for many years and Alida was there to help Lil care for her husband, Herb, in his illness and death. Later, as Alida became more disabled from this last disease, Lil was there to care for her. Lil's daughter Janice Stahl and her husband helped tremendously. Probably many here today have gotten a card or letter from Butchie on more than one occasion. She always remembered birthdays and anniversaries and managed to get the cards out on time. Alida embroidered pillow cases for years and those of us who received them as gifts will always cherish them and the memory of the wonderful woman who fashioned them. She will be missed by many. She has been loved by many. Alida is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and step-son. She is survived by her sister, Lillian Rude; three grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Alida Dissmore

July 9, 1917 - February 22, 2005