Irene R. Johnson

About Irene

Irene R. Johnson, 96 of Bemidji, MN died Thursday, November 2, 2023 at her home at Tamarack Court in Bemidji, MN.

Irene was born as the first child to Oscar & Hilda Oja Rinta on August 20, 1927. She was raised on the family farm South of Tamarack, MN. Irene graduated from McGregor High School in 1945.

She immediately entered the workforce at the Coop Store in Tamarack. Later, she moved to Duluth, MN and did clerical work for Marshall Wells. Then along came a handsome man, Lester Johnson, who began courting her. They were married June 14, 1947 at the Finnish Lutheran Church, Tamarack, MN.

Lester built a 27’ house trailer and in 1948 Lester & Irene moved it to Gackle, North Dakota. They eventually settled in the Fargo- Moorhead area for 48 years. 1950 their first son (Loren) was born. 1953 their daughter (Loree) was born. 1963 another son (LaRon) was born.

Irene was employed at Moorhead State University in Food Service, and served as Deli manager. She was active in a Homemakers Club, served as Cub Scout Den leader, member of the Finnish Club, and participated in the Annual Scandinavian Festival. She was a Proud Finn and tried to keep up her ability to speak the language.

Irene and Lester eventually felt the desire to return back to their home area of Tamarack. Their retirement years while there brought on a whole new career in volunteering! So much so, that Irene and Lester were voted “Outstanding Senior Volunteers” in Aitkin County.

The next and final move for Irene & Lester was Bemidji, Minnesota, and so the volunteering continued…If anything involved veterans or her Finnish heritage she was all hands on deck! She became a Life Member of Bemidji DAV auxiliary and volunteered at the Finnish Camp at Concordia Language Village.

Her husband and best friend, Lester, passed away May 16, 2021. They had been married 73 years. Approximately 6 months after Les’ death Irene moved from her home to Tamarack Assisted Living in Bemidji. What a wonderful decision that was for her! She enjoyed all the activities, her new friends and the very compassionate employees there. Irene is at last in the arms of her beloved husband and best friend, Lester in Heaven.

Irene is survived by her son, Loren (Karen Sauer) Johnson. her daughter, Loree (Ross) Pederson, Three Grandchildren, Shaun Johnson, Lisa (Craig) Kessel, Rachael (Eric) Martinson, Ten Great-Grandchildren, Madison Johnson (28), Meaghan Johnson (24), Myah Johnson (20), Austin Kessel (14), Adelyn Kessel (11), Claire Kessel (10), Jaxin Martinson (7), Parker Martinson (5), Crew Martinson (3), and Liv Martinson (6 months).

memorial service

Memorial Services for Irene

November 11, 2023

New Salem Lutheran Church 7491 Island View Dr NE, Turtle River, MN 56601, USA

Pastor Terry Hagenson will be officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service and a luncheon will follow the service. Interment will be on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Salo Cemetery, 15805 390th St., Tamarack, MN with a luncheon following at the Snowflyers Club in Tamarack, MN.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home