Rosemary Johnson

Rosemary Johnson, age 89, of Erhard, MN, died Friday, August 16, 2019 with her family by her side under the loving care of the Pelican Valley Health Center Staff and the Red River Valley Hospice. Rosemary was born October 3, 1929 in Fergus Falls, MN, to Wencil and Elizabeth (Gilloley) Rian. She grew up in Elizabeth, MN and attended school there through 8th grade then graduating from Fergus Falls High School in 1946. Following her graduation, she attended Teacher’s Training in Fergus Falls. Then she taught in a one-room school house, grades 1-8. Her duties included stoking the fire. During the winter months she would cross- country ski to school (district 35E, rural Pelican Rapids). After this experience, Rosemary attended Moorhead State College. She then taught in a two-room school in the metropolis of Elizabeth, MN. On December 27, 1950 Rosemary married Leonard Johnson at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. The arrival of their first born happily derailed her teaching career. From then on, her heart was full with raising her cherished children. The children were lucky indeed. Leonard passed away on December 27, 2002. Rosemary was a member at the St. Elizabeth Catholic and St. Leonard’s Catholic Churches. She spent countless hours volunteering at various church and community activities. Rosemary could not say no. She was City Treasurer and Clerk in Erhard for over thirty years. Rosemary enjoyed golf, bowling, camping with her family, reading, playing cards, Rian family golf tournaments, traveling to family reunions around the U.S. and Twins baseball. Rosemary is survived by children: Ann (Steve) Petersen, Pelican Rapids, MN, Jean Johnson, Cottage Grove, MN, Tom Johnson, Erhard, MN, John (Karen) Johnson, Edina, MN; 4 grandchildren: Aidan and Maria Johnson, Derek (Betsy Cason) with their daughter, Stella Petersen, Shannon (Katie) Petersen with their son, Archer; brother John (Sally) Rian, Richfield, MN; sister-in-law Myrna Rian; Frank Klauda; and many special nieces and nephews ­­­­She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, two brothers: Jim Rian (Betty) Rian-Klauda and Pat Rian; sister Betty (Jim) Dinndorf; sister-in-law Ethel (Robert) Clarke and their 5 children. Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 23, 2019, at St. Leonard Catholic Church, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Clergy: Father Jeff Ethen Interment: St. Leonard’s Catholic Cemetery, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota Please keep the Johnson family in your thoughts and prayers. Rosemary's Memorial Folder