East Grand Forks – Audrey Johnson, of East Grand Forks, passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Villa St. Vincent in Crookston.
Audrey Ann Holthusen was born March 9, 1939, at Red Lake, the daughter of Reinhard and Tillie (Smith) Holthusen. She was raised near Thorhult, and attended country school and Goodridge High School.
In 1957, she was united in marriage to Donald Ray Sr. To this union, two children were born, Donald Jr. and Linda. The couple lived in Jackson.
In 1966, she was united in marriage to Aldon Jerrol Johnson in Grygla. To this union, three children were born, Voreen, Greg and Sherrlene. The couple lived in Goodridge, then moved to Minneapolis for seven years, and then back to Thorhult. Following Aldon’s passing, Audrey moved to East Grand Forks.
She worked various jobs including: at the Red Lake Fishery, as a heavy equipment operator, for area farmers, as a foster parent and elderly caretaker in their homes. She worked on the docks in Florida cutting up bait for the fishermen.
Audrey had the nicest vegetable and flower garden around. She also enjoyed canning, cooking, baking, fishing, camping, spending time outdoors, and traveling. She loved country music and dancing. Most of all, she loved and cherished the time spent with family and friends.
Audrey is survived by her children, Greg (Val) Johnson of Thief River Falls, Sherrlene (Lowell) Watne of East Grand Forks; daughter-in-law, Cindy Ray of Thief River Falls; Linda (Robert) Jansen of Hastings, Eileen Lian of Warroad, Gwen (Mike) Danielson of Fertile, daughter-in-law, Joyce Brantl of St. Thomas, ND; grandchildren, Jared Johnson, Jason Johnson, Amy Johnson, Jaclyn Lunsetter, David Watne, Brittany Hervey, Kassie Redford, Katie Jo Johnson, Angela Ray, Jeremy Ray, Stephanie Tschida, Amanda Jansen, Krista Jansen, Nicole Engelstad, Crystal Goulet, Jennifer Ewald, Kailee Hallet, Robbi Landsrud, Rick Landsrud, Reid Landsrud, Justin Johnson, Jesse Johnson, Callie Johnson; several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by sisters, Marion Lussier of Red Lake, Blanche Heilig of Rhinelander, WI, Shirley Ferrel of Council, ID; along with many nieces and nephews.
Audrey is preceded in death by her husband, Aldon; children, Voreen Johnson, Donald Ray Jr, Jerrol Johnson; grandsons, Joshua Johnson, Dallas Johnson; parents, Reinhard and Tillie Holthusen; siblings, Phyllis Sumner, Marcella Ostlund, Ardella Bailey, Ethel Wilkins, Delwyn Holthusen Sr., Emily Holthusen; son-in-law, Gary Lian; brothers-in-law, George Sumner, Vern Ostlund, James Bailey, Herman Lussier, Ray Wilkins; and sister-in-law, Millie Holthusen.
The funeral for Audrey will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, with Spiritual Care Coordinator Bill Humiston.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Friday. Burial will be held at Rosebud Cemetery in Thorhult.
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