1919
Opal
2008
Opal Johnson
October 18, 1919 — December 2, 2008
Opal will be sadly missed by her three daughters: Shirley Squier of Morris, Sharon (Dennis) Ross of LeSueur and Arlene (Richard) Osen of Winnipeg, Canada and Roberts, WI; and by her grandchildren: Tim (Carol) Squier of Coon Rapids, Jeri Lyn Squier (Dave Leuthardt) of Morris, Lori Lyn Squier (Jeff Lund) of Cyrus, Dana (Arnie) Ross-Arlt of No. Mankato, Jon (Cathy) Ross of No. Mankato and by her great-grandchildren: Garrett Mullin of Denver, CO, Mitchell Squier of Coon Rapids, Allie Arlt of No. Mankato, Abby Arlt of No. Mankato, Blake Kessler (Ross) of No. Mankato and by many friends and relatives in the U.S. and Canada.
Opal was born on October 18, 1919 in Clara City to Gust and Martha (Peters) Erickson. She was baptized in Howard Lake in the Lutheran faith and grew up in Raymond and Kerkhoven. She was confirmed in Clara City, also in the Lutheran faith.
Opal was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Clifford Johnson; parents: Gust and Martha Erickson; sister: Gladys (Delbert) Johnson; brothers: Gail and Irvin Erickson; son-in-law: Jerry Squier and grandson: Terry Squier.
Opal married Cliff Johnson on March 1, 1937. They rented and operated the Somson farm outside Kerkhoven until 1952, when they moved to Morris. They joined First Lutheran Church in Morris and Opal worked at Juergensen’s Super Valu in the snack bar for about 10 years. There she started her reputation as an excellent cook and baker. When Cliff joined the Trojan Seed Company, Opal became a “stay-at-home-mom”, helping Cliff with his business. She hosted many dinners for family, friends and dealers. She also prepared for their weekend fishing trips in Northern Minnesota and Lake of the Woods. As members of the Morris “B” Squares, their basement became the practice spot in Morris for their many dancing friends. Opal volunteered at First Lutheran Church for rummage sales and luncheons. She loved the Morris Garden Club and beamed with pride at community spring plantings. Being a member of the Birthday Club with friends from her Square Dancing days was a special joy.
Opal has left behind many beautiful crafts and artwork using her meticulous skills in embroidery, crewel work, ceramics and sewing. Her special recipe box is sought after by all her family.
The 18 years Opal and Cliff were associated with the Pfizer Company, they were offered opportunities to travel and play as well as work. Opal always told her girls, “I would get on a plane at any time, to go anywhere.” She loved to travel. But always, her greatest joy was spending time with her family.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Stevens Community Medical Center for their kindness and care of our mother. They were truly exceptional.
We love you mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. We miss you. Rest in Peace.
Opal died on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris, having lived to reach the age of 89 years.
Pallbearers for the service are: Tim Squier, Dave Leuthardt, Richard Osen, Jon Ross, Jeff Lund, Brad Johnson. Deb Mahoney will serve as organist for the service. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.
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