Florence Elva Johnson

Florence (Beck) Johnson "Foo" age 98 passed away peacefully March 26, 2026 in her home, cared for and surrounded by family with support from Vivie Hospice. Florence was born September 6, 1927 at Wright Memorial Hospital in Fergus Falls, MN to Herman and Nellie (Nelson) Beck. She grew up on Riverside Court along with her older brothers Linwood and Charles. They grew up living on the same block as both sets of their grandparents, in the home built by their father. She would become a lifelong resident of Fergus Falls.

Florence attended kindergarten at Adams School, adjacent to St. Luke' s Hospital, presently Lake Region Healthcare. She completed 1st thru 6th grades at Madison School and graduated from Washington High School in Fergus Falls in the spring of 1945. During summers, she worked long hours as a bottle washer at the Fergus Brewing Company, right in her own neighborhood. In fact, a local directory listed this as her "occupation" at age 15. After high school she attended St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing in Fargo North Dakota, graduating in 1948. She was part of the last class to receive specialized, accelerated training as part of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps.

Florence married Elton "Al" Johnson, of Orwell Township, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls on November 6, 1948. Together they lived for 57 years on their farm near Broken Down Dam just east of Fergus Falls. On the farm, you would find her busy gardening, preserving fruits and vegetables, growing and arranging flowers, feeding birds and birthing lambs. In 2008, two years after Al died, she relocated to her new home on the Ottertail River, just blocks from her childhood home. She boasted during her 18 years in this spot that she had "the best view in Fergus Falls." She fed and watched the birds and was ever-excited by regular wildlife sightings. Florence was so supported and encouraged by her caring and generous neighbors.

As a skilled and professional Registered Nurse, she became a member of the Minnesota Nurses Association and was employed by Wright Memorial Hospital, Fergus Clinic and Lake Region Hospital. Working in obstetrics for a remarkable 33 years, she delivered and cared for countless babies and their moms; many of whom would recognize her when paths crossed, even years later. Florence retired in 1985 after suffering a severe leg fracture from a fall at home.

Florence supported the activities of her daughters as a leader for both Camp Fire Girls and Dane Prairie 4H and was a Town & Country Saddle Club member. She was an excellent seamstress and diligently taught her girls how to sew. She prided herself in sewing all of their clothes, "until they were smart enough to know they weren't very good". She was famous for baking, especially her delicious caramel rolls.

As a baptized and confirmed member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, she was actively involved throughout her life. As a nurse, she accompanied the Luther League youth to their convention on the east coast in 1970. As a member of the choir, she proudly sang alongside "the men" in the tenor section. In later years, she pinned hems while enjoying the work and camaraderie of the ladies quilting group.

Her love and passion for dogs led her to become a charter member of the Otter Tail County Humane Society which was established in 1978. She visited schools throughout the county with her German Shepherd Brandi, to present educational programs to youth.

After her retirement and extending into her 90's, she diligently swam three times weekly at the "Y" which was crucial for her physical comfort. She made many cherished friends at the YMCA and became an active supporter as a charter member of the "Y's Folks", at one time serving as president. As well, she maintained memberships with the VFW Auxiliary and St. Luke's School of Nursing Alumni Association.

Throughout her life, she enlightened family listeners with her sharp memory, sharing details of who was married to/related to whom, where they lived and worked and who their kids were. Leisurely car rides became local history lessons. Over the years, she worked with dedication to organize high school class reunions and maintained long-time friendships with many of her high school and nursing school classmates.

Florence often shared that Halloween was her favorite holiday "because you didn't have to work all day cooking a big meal". She and Al created unique costumes for themselves and their girls and had great fun trick or treating, as adults! She had the opportunity to travel in the contiguous US (including a 6-week roadtrip for their honeymoon), Hawaii (four times), Canada and Norway (twice). In 2012 she enjoyed a special Caribbean cruise trip with all three girls.

Florence was an avid Otter Basketball and Football fan. She attended games spanning four generations of family Otter athletes. She also supported the M State Spartan Basketball Teams and traveled with Al by bus to the Men's National Tournament in New York in 2003. She encouraged, cheered for and supported her girls, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in all of their interests.

Florence is preceded in death by her husband Elton, parents Herman and Nellie Beck, in-laws George and Clara (Nehring) Johnson, brothers Linwood (Joycelyn) and Charles (Joyce) Beck, brother-in law Harlin Johnson (Delores), sister-in-law Geraldine Johnson, son-in-law Richard "Rick" Odden, and grandson-in-law Tyler Petersen.

She is survived by her daughters Glenda Anderson (Les) of Red Wing, MN, Rebecca "Becky" Odden and Paula Russell (Brad) of Fergus Falls, MN; grandchildren Sarah Prescher (Bryan), Matt Anderson (Dee Dee), Ellen Armbruster (Chad), Abby Drouillard (Jason), Laura Quaintance (Todd), Sophie Petersen, and Hattie Haarstad (Hunter); great-grandchildren Gibson & Eliza, Zochitl, Walter & Vienna, Layten, Colten & Trenten, Paige, Axel & Diesel, as well as five great-great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Loran Johnson, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the Ottertail County Humane Society.

Service: 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 6, 2026 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with visitation one-hour prior to the service at the church.

Clergy: Reverend Loren Mellum

Interment: Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com