Leona "Lee" H. Johnson

The memorial service celebrating the life of Leona Johnson of Wadena will be held at 11:00a.m. on Tuesday, April 29, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wadena, with Pastor Nate Loer presiding. Family and friends may gather at the church on Tuesday from 9:30a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in Wadena Cemetery, Wadena, MN. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You are invited to watch the service via live-stream by going to: www.youtube.com/@ILCWadena or https://www.facebook.com/immanuelwadena ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Leona “Lee”, age 95, passed away at The Meadows of Wadena on April 10, 2025, with compassionate care by the staff and Vivie Hospice. Leona “Lee” Hope Anderson was born to Henry and Hilda (Olson) Anderson on February 12, 1930, in a little log house on the family farm outside Osakis, MN. She attended country school through eighth grade and Osakis High School, graduating Valedictorian with the class of 1947. Lee then attended Concordia College in Moorhead, graduating in 1951, with degrees in English and Music. Lee loved growing up on the farm, especially during the springtime with all the baby animals. She enjoyed doing chores with her dad and was driving tractor by the age of 12. At 13 years of age, she became the organist at Sauk Valley Lutheran Church, where she was baptized, confirmed, and later married. On May 31, 1953, Lee was united in marriage to Raymond Johnson, in a double wedding along with her sister, Beverley and Gerald Johnson. She taught high school English, Drama and Music in Turtle Lake, ND and Cyrus, MN, remaining in touch with some of her students for the rest of her life. Lee chose to become a stay-at-home mom and was the beloved mother of four extremely fortunate children. Following a few years in Fargo, ND, the family settled in Wadena in 1962. Lee’s love for the Lord was evident in the way she lived her life. She led by quiet example, made Church a priority and enjoyed many volunteering opportunities both there and in the community. She worked at the Wadena City Library throughout the 1980s. Lee enjoyed sewing, quilting, knitting and crocheting and especially loved playing the piano. She remained strong in her faith, which was made evident through her daily devotions and Bible reading. She spent the final two years of her life at The Meadows of Wadena where she adored the staff and was given wonderful care by them, along with hospice. For 62 years, Lee was a cherished member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. She was loved by all who were blessed to know her. We rejoice with her today as she is being held in the arms of Jesus. Preceding Leona in death were her husband, Raymond (2010); parents, Henry and Hilda; brothers Oren and Charles Anderson; sister, Beverley Johnson; daughter-in-law, Gail Johnson; and son-in-law, Bill Beck. Remembering Leona will be her children: Kurt (Deborah Hemshrot) of Andover, Kristin (Mick) Scott of Pine River, Julie (Michael) Lawrence of Park Rapids, and Jean Beck of Wadena; 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; along with nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends.

Leona "Lee" H. Johnson

February 12, 1930 - April 10, 2025