Lillian Johnson

Lillian Marie Johnson, age 94, 11 months, and 16 days, died on Friday, December 31, 2010, at the Elders Home in New York Mills, MN. Lillian was born on January 14, 1916 to parents Joseph and Mary (Cihlar) Chermak, the fourth of six children in Lake Reno Township, MN. She grew up on a farm five miles from Lowry, in Pope County, where she attended country school. She received the sacraments of baptism, first communion, and confirmation at Lake Reno Church. On July 29, 1941 she was united in marriage to George Johnson at St. Mary’s Catholic church in Alexandria. On December 7, 1941, they left for Oakland, California where George worked in the ship yards. They returned to Alexandria in 1943 where they made their home for 46 years. At that time, she moved to Williston, ND to be near her daughter and family. Later, Lillian moved to Wadena, MN, where she lived until her death. Lillian worked hard at various jobs all of her life, and was a Girl Scout Leader for both of her daughters. She enjoyed gardening, nurturing her flowers, dancing, playing cards, and traveling throughout the United States. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family, extended family, many friends, and watching her grandsons grow up. Lillian was proud to be a lifetime member for over 60 years of Christian Mothers. She belonged to St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Wadena, the Altar Society, and the VFW Auxiliary. She was a fourteen year cancer survivor who looked forward to each Relay For Life event. Lillian is survived by her daughters, Sharon (Joe) Morrison of Sioux Falls, SD, and Sandra (Bill) Jorgensen of Williston, ND; grandsons Jason Morrison of Sioux Falls, SD, and Thomas Jorgensen of Bismarck, ND; sister Florence (Delmer) Pomeranz of Urbank; brother Adolph Chermak of St. Cloud, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were an infant child; her parents; her husband George; brothers Henry and John Chermak; sister Frances Slaby; and grandson Christopher Jorgensen. The Mass of Christian Burial was held on January 6, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Wadena, with Father Don Wagner as celebrant. Honorary pallbearers were all of Lillian’s family and friends. Active pallbearers were Alton Chermak, Bryan Pomeranz, Lyle Rindahl, Joel Suchy, Jeremy Thoennes, and Jonathan Thoennes. Interment was in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Alexandria.

Lillian Johnson

January 14, 1916 - December 31, 2010