Verna Johnson

Verna Estelle Johnson, 94, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Sunday, October 17, 2010, at the Pioneer Care Center in Fergus Falls. Verna Estelle Johnson, the daughter of Alfred and Sophie (Ledding) Gronner was born October 18, 1915 in Underwood, Minnesota. She graduated from Underwood High School and Moorhead University and attended the Moorhead University 5th year program with emphasis on Special Education. She enjoyed a 25-year career teaching elementary school and special education classes. Her first two years were in a one-room rural school in District 22, Otter Tail County, then three years at Swift Consolidated School, Swift, MN, two years at Washington Elementary School in Thief River Falls, MN, and the last 18 years at Cleveland Elementary School in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. On September 18, 1936, she married Halbert Johnson from Tordenskjold Township, Otter Tail County. He died in 1972. She was a member of the Federated Church and a charter member and past president of Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority for women educators. She was a volunteer in the Laubach Reading Program for adults and in teaching English as a second language. She was active in the women’s groups of Federated Church, the archival committee and in Sunday School. She volunteered at the Otter Tail County Museum for ten years. Preceding her in death were her husband, Halbert Johnson, her parents, two brothers, Herbert and Alvin Gronner, and three sisters, Doris (Al) Severson, Merelle (Elder) Engebretson, and Evelyn (Merwin) Conger. Survivors include two sons, Curtis (Ranell) of Chaska, MN, and Thomas (Dympna) of Seattle, Washington, and two grandsons, Robert and Derek of Chaska, MN. Also surviving are a sister, Mrs. Norris (Jeanne) Quam of Snohomish, Washington, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church Memorial Service: 1 p.m. Thursday, October 21, 2010 at The Federated Church in Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Doug Dent Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery in Fergus Falls