Mabel Johnson

Mabel Katharina Johnson, 88, passed away peacefully, Sunday, November 15, 2015, at Bethany on University. Mabel Katharina Johnson was born on December 10, 1926, in Fulda, MN, to Emil C. and Katharina “Tena” (Joens) Wagner the tenth of eleven children.   She attended District 120 County School west of Ulen, MN, until 5^th grade.   At this point her father died and her mother bought a home in Barnesville, MN, where she finished her schooling, graduating from Barnesville High School in 1946.   She moved to Fargo after graduation and worked at Manchester Biscuit Company until 1950.  She married Paul A. Johnson in 1950 in Barnesville, MN.  In addition to raising her family of four, she was also busy doing babysitting for other families.  Mabel worked in food service at various places in the area, the last being Quality Bakery in Moorhead, retiring in 1993 when the store closed.  She became a Senior Companion in 1996 and stayed very active in the program until 2007. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and was active in her church, serving as a delegate for the New Life Center for many years.  She was a member of a Christian Singles Group and enjoyed regular gatherings with her birthday friends.  She was always reading the comic strips—cutting out the ones that reminded her of loved ones in order to send them in cards and letters.  She loved to write letters, staying in touch faithfully with many friends and family. Survived by her children:  Debra (Steven) Olson, Fargo, ND, Stephen (Bette) Johnson, Waupaca, WI, Craig (Karla) Johnson, Fargo, ND, Kimberly (David) Koop, St. Cloud, MN; 4 grandchildren:  Jason (Katie) Liljestrand, Draper, UT,  Jill Liljestrand, Moorhead, MN, Emily (Will) Washburn, Spanaway, WA,  Nathan (Tess Stoner) Johnson, Cottage Grove, MN; 3 great-grandchildren:  Aidric and Asher Liljestrand, Draper, UT, Mark Washburn, Spanaway, WA, and a new great-grandchild arriving any day, and many nieces and nephews. Preceded by her parents; and 6 brothers:  Arnold, Wilber “Bill”, Orville, Edmond, Roy, Leslie; and 4 sisters:  Lydia Schuur, Esther Swearingen, Vivian Wasfaret, and Irene Lammers. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 21, 2015, at Grace United Methodist Church in Moorhead, MN, with a visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. at the church.  Interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND.