Arlene Theresa Johnson

Arlene’s service will be livestreamed below shortly before it starts

Arlene Theresa Johnson entered into eternal rest on January 10, 2024, at the age of 92, surrounded by family, in Fargo, North Dakota, while in the care of Hospice.

She was born in Esmond, North Dakota on July 24, 1931, to Ignatius (Ned) Leier and Catherine (Marthe) Leier, both Germans from Russia. She was the baby of the family, with 12 older brothers and sisters. When she started school, she did not speak English, but spoke German. She worked on the family farm growing up.

She attended Benson County Agricultural and Training School and graduated in 1949. She then attended The Sisters of St Joseph School of Nursing in Fargo North Dakota graduating in 1952 earning her RN degree. She began her nursing career working in OB/GYN. She then transitioned to home health care and finished up doing geriatric care in the skilled nursing unit at Bethany nursing home. Before retiring in 1996, she loved to share her skills and knowledge of nursing with everyone. It was truly a passion for her.

Arlene met the love of her life, Verne Johnson and were married on June 16, 1953, in Esmond, North Dakota at St. Boniface Catholic Church. They moved to Harwood, North Dakota and raised 4 children: Kevin, David, Kathy and Patrick. Her husband, Verne, passed in 1977, but she continued to live in Harwood until her passing.

Her family was a very important part of her life. She loved attending sporting events involving her children and grandchildren. She spent many days at football, baseball, softball and hockey games. She was always a great supporter of any activity her children or grandchildren wanted to be involved in. She loved watching sports of any kind. Her favorite team was the Minnesota Twins. She loved to crochet and made many blankets for her family. She spent hours doing crossword puzzles. She also loved to cook and bake. Her favorite times of year were the holidays. She took pride in making lefse and kuchen. She loved to share it with family and friends. It made her happy how much everyone enjoyed it. She enjoyed helping to care for all the family pets over the years and loved them very much as they were good companions for her.

Arlene is survived by her daughter Kathy Johnson of Harwood, ND, son Patrick (Cindy) Johnson of Fargo, ND, eight grandchildren: Matthew (Cassie) Johnson, Erin (Jared) Loucks, Kacie (Mathew) Dorn, Erica (Dave) McGuire, Joe Johnson, Alexandra (Dave) Ross, David (Hannah) Johnson and Kira (Bobby) Besabe and nine great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews and Walter the cat.

She was preceded in death by her parents Catherine and Ignatius Leier, husband Verne Johnson, sons Kevin Johnson and David Johnson and 12 brothers and sisters. We love you Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma. We will miss your smile and your stories. We will hold you in our hearts forever.