Thief River Falls – Irene Johnson, 95, of Thief River Falls, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Sanford Medical Center in Thief River Falls with her loving family by her side.
Irene Amanda Nelson was born on July 27, 1929, at home in Grygla, to John Christ and Amanda Ericka (Englund) Nelson. She was baptized in the Christian faith and attended Greenwood School and Northfield School in rural Thief River Falls before graduating from Lincoln High School with the Class of 1947.
On September 30, 1951, Irene married Wesley Harding Johnson in Long Beach, CA. Together, they raised three children: Paul Wesley, Ruth Irene, and Mark Wesley. Irene was a devoted wife and mother who dedicated herself to her family. Irene’s husband and children were beyond loved and cared for; nothing was too much. Losing Paul was their greatest sorrow, but his six years of life and faith blessed them and others for eternity.
A woman of deep faith, Irene was a born-again Christian who found great joy in reading her Bible and sharing the love of Jesus with others. She prayed diligently every night for her children, grandchildren, and all who the Lord brought to her mind. She was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, where she volunteered her time quilting, sponsoring and working with Laotian families and participated in the ladies’ aid. She also served as a board member for the hospital auxiliary, always seeking ways to help those in need. Volunteering was her joy.
Irene had a love for crafting and creativity. She loved crocheting for family and friends, following sporting events and the activities of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In addition, she also loved gardening, traveling, baking with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and collecting recipe books.
After retirement, she and Wesley spent many years going to Corpus Christi, TX to visit Wes’s brother. She loved the ocean and collecting seashells. She found joy in listening to the Gaither Vocal Band, visiting with family and friends who stopped by, and she cherished long-distance phone calls with her sister, Dolly. Known for her witty sense of humor, she brought laughter to those around her. In quiet moments, she enjoyed sipping an evening Coke or coffee.
She treasured the regular phone calls from her son, Mark which kept her connected to the love and laughter of his family. She loved her time with Ruthie, who became both her caretaker and best friend. Through every challenge and triumph, their bond deepened with love serving as the foundation of their inseparable connection.
Earlier in life, Irene worked as a telephone company operator, office assistant, and dime store clerk before dedicating herself fully to her family.
Irene’s legacy of faith, kindness, and service will be remembered by all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those she loved.
Survivors include her loving children, Ruth Bray of Thief River Falls and Mark (Fern) Johnson of Plano, TX; grandchildren, David (Sarah) Bray, Becky (Barry) Pederson, Rachel (Donavan) Rogness, Bryson (Kayla) Bray, Connor Johnson, Cooper Johnson; great-grandchildren, Caleb and Alex Bray, Brayden, Brooklyn and Brielle Pederson, Samuel, Grace and Paul Rogness, and Hayden Bray; sister, Violet “Dolly” Hensley; and many other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Wesley in 2009; son, Paul; grandson, Alex Johnson; great-granddaughter, Emma Rogness; parents, John and Amanda Nelson; and siblings, Jerrold (Irene) Nelson, Roy (Pearl) Nelson, LaVonne (Gordon) Thune, Marion (Glen) Olson, John “Dale” Nelson, and Leo (Vernice) Nelson; and several other unborn children and great-grandchildren.
Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. with the service to celebrate Irene’s life at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. Rev. Alex Amiot will officiate. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls.
Memorials are suggested to FMSC.org.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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