Betty Jean Johnson

May 4, 1929 - April 2, 2018

Betty Jean Johnson, 88, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Monday, April 2, 2018, at her home at the Sheridan House in Fergus Falls. She was born on May 4, 1929, in Fergus Falls, MN, to Edwin and Stella (Lillemoen) Helleckson. Betty was an enthusiastic member of the Class of 1947. She was especially proud of the fact that her 5 children, 3 grandchildren, and 3 of 4 of her great-grandchildren are “OTTERS”!!! On November 25, 1950, Betty married Stanley James Johnson at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. Betty worked as an assistant in the County Treasurers Office, did the books for the family business, Stan’s Heating Service, but her favorite job was being Mom to their 5 children and making sure they were where they needed to be. Always on time, fed, and properly dressed. Bethlehem Church has been an important part of Betty’s life. She was involved with WELCA, Rachel Circle, choir, teaching Sunday and Wednesday School and quilting on “Love Days”. She was also a member of the Jugs Homemakers and the Orwell Township Homemakers. Betty sang with the Sweet Adeline’s and was an avid volunteer with the Auxiliary at LRHC. Stan and Betty loved to square dance with the Modern Squares under the calling of Lee Newton. She would always make their matching outfits and traveled throughout the state dancing. She loved people, she made friends quickly, and was a good listener. Betty loved spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed sewing, cross-stitching, embroidery, puzzles of all kinds, cooking and baking, and always trying new recipes. Traveling to Mexico and Hawaii were her favorite trips. Preceding her in death were her parents, Edwin and Stella Helleckson, an infant sister; husband, Stanley Johnson; a baby daughter and baby granddaughter; granddaughter, Anna Nelson; sister, Eunice and husband Kenny Braatz; sister-in-law, Claire and husband Don Orpen; and nephews, Terry, Jeff, and Chris Orpen. Survivors include her children, Steven Johnson, Pati (Thomas) Magnuson, Barbara (Jimmy) Brown, Mary (Tom) DeReu, and Julie Nelson; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Charlie) Mikesell, Andrew (Sally) Nelson, Fredy Godinez, and Jenny DeReu; great-grandchildren, Chloe, Joel, and Griffin Nelson, Hannah Mikesell, and Fredy Godinez Jr. Also surviving are adopted family Michelle and Brian Jeska and their children, Emily and Tyler, as well as Stan’s siblings and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Memorials are preferred to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, #544 Foundation, or LB Hospice, all of Fergus Falls, MN. Visitation: There will be two visitations: the first from 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2018, with 2 p.m. public prayer service, at the Light and Life Auditorium, Broen Home in Fergus Falls, and the second from 4:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2018, with a 6:30 p.m. public prayer service, at the Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls, MN, and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday April 11, 2018, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls, MN Clergy: Reverend Tom Peterson and Reverend Jacob Anderson Interment: Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls, MN Arrangements are provided by the Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Online condolences may be sent to www.OlsonFuneralHome.com