Alice Johnson

Known and loved throughout her extended family as Grandma J, Alice was born on August 7, 1917 in Denhoff, ND to the late Emmanuel and Dorothy (Edinger) Engel. She graduated from Denhoff High School. Alice then married Merlin Johnson July 27, 1941 in Goodrich, ND and moved with him to Freeman, SD where they lived on the family farm until his death in 1963. She then moved to Yankton, SD where she began a 20 year career as a house mother at Yankton College, developing many enduring relationships with the students she mentored there. On September 2010, Alice entered into the Pelican Valley Health Center.Alice was a committed Lutheran and endlessly industrious. When not actively involved in any number of cleaning, cooking and craft projects, she was likely engaged in a combination of embroidery, reading, sewing, jig saw puzzles, cross words and music. Alice I. Johnson, 96, Pelican Rapids, MN, formerly of Freeman, SD, passed from this mortal existence into eternal peace on December 23, 2013 at the Pelican Valley Health Care Center in Pelican Rapids. She is survived by two daughters, Carol (Doug) Lay, Suamico, WI; and Judi Hoadley, Pelican Rapids, MN; and by her daughter-in-law, Sharon Johnson, Shawnee, OK. She is further survived by her grandchildren, Scott (Lisa) Johnson, Galeton, CO; Brian Lay, DePere, WI; Craig Johnson, Casper, WY; Matthew Johnson, Tecumseh, OK; Carrie McCoy, Tecumseh, OK; Elizabeth Hoadley, Pelican Rapids, MN; Jason Hoadley (fianc Anissa), Deer Park, TX; and Jesse (Emily) Hoadley, Pelican Rapids, MN. Several generations of grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive. Alice was preceded in death by her husband Merlin; her son Orrin; son-in-law Clyde Hoadley; grand son-in-law Chad McCoy; and brothers Walter, Ervin and Reuben. Private Services and internment will be conducted at the Bang Lutheran Church Cemetery, Freeman, SD at a later date. Funeral Home: Larson Funeral Home, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota