Murtis Johnson

Our community of friends and families have lost a dear lady and friend. Murtis Alvina Thompson Johnson was called home to our Lord Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at St Luke’s Care Center.

She was born March 22,1928 in rural Elmore, Minnesota to Oscar & Annie (Henrickson) Thompson. She was baptized and confirmed at Shiloh Lutheran Church in Elmore. Murtis graduated from Elmore High School in 1945.  

Murtis married the love of her life, Elwood Johnson, on April 16, 1946. She and Elwood farmed in rural Frost-Elmore area for 50 plus years. Murtis listened to KBEW daily to hear the up-to-date farm market reports. Murtis rarely left her home without looking her best. When necessary, she often dressed in outdoor farm clothes as she plowed the fields behind Elwood during the harvest. She enjoyed chocolate, hot fudge sundaes and pecan pies.  Murtis especially enjoyed her time at Bethany Lutheran Church. Ladies Aid, Circle, fall bazaar, dressing the alter, singing with Francis Gaard & AnnaMae Nodland in the Bethany Trio, Bethany Choir and so much more. Before church almost every Sunday, she prepared her family’s favorite Sunday meal to come home to, Schweigert thuringer & potato hotdish. She enjoyed joining her Frost ladies most mornings for coffee & a piece of toast at Julie’s. She loved the Minnesota Twins, Elvis movies, going with Elwood to his horseshoe events and 34 years in Mesa, Arizona during the winter months meeting their friends from all over the USA and Canada. Murtis was known for her crocheted afghans, quilts that she and Janet Twedt would tie together, lemon pies, French pastries and many more delicious baked goods.  

Murtis will be missed by her children: Rick (Kathy), Kathy Purdie, Dean Johnson. Grandchildren: Malaynia (Brad) Wick, Annisue (Jeremy) Graffam, Heather (Ted) Stoner, Dawn (Chris) Wegscheid, Melissa (Todd) Mogen, Nicholas (Tanya) Johnson, Kevin (Katie) Johnson, Luke (Nikki) Johnson & Mary Johnson. Great grandchildren: Annika, Ella, Hannah, Jakob, Theo, Archer, Luca, Annabel, Alixxandra, Aryanna, McLain, Memphis, Aspyn, Helena, Landon, Tyson, Preston, Addison, Trenton and Tate. She leaves behind her loving sister, MaDonna Gjerde.  Murtis was preceded in death by Elwood, her parents, siblings: Norman, Harlan, Herman, Rufus, Lorraine, Hazel, Bernice and Ivah. Rest in peace eternally, it is well deserved. 

A celebration of her life will be held at Patton Funeral Home in Blue Earth, MN.  this Saturday, October 30, 2021 with a service starting at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Karl Rydholm officiating, visitation at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Bethany Lutheran Cemetery in Frost. 

Memorials may be considered to Little Theatre of Owatonna and St Luke’s Care Center.