Klara Johnson

Johnson, Klara Stockdal Born in Makoti, North Dakota on April 2, 1916, Klara, who lived her life graciously and positively, passed away on January 26, 2011 after 94 years of a life of worth and service. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elliott M. Johnson in 1984; a sister, Borgie Howard in 2010, and a sister, Stella Hamilton in 1965. She is survived by sister, Metta Cogburn of Sacramento, CA; cousins, Mary Fricke of Issaquah, WA, Sid (Lola) Berg of Minneapolis, MN; nephews, Marty (Diane) Cogburn of Sacramento, CA, Bill (Terese) Howard of Boulder, CO, Gary (Patti) Hamilton of Creswell, OR; nieces, Beverly (Paul) Schlichter of Castle Rock, CO, Larry Kay (Ron) Bowker of Eugene, OR, and Linda Howard of Dallas, TX. Her parents moved to Billings, Montana where her father served as Pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church and started the Montana Home for the Aged. Klara graduated from Billings High School in 1933 and enrolled in Business School. Klara's father graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN and it was inevitable that she and her sisters would also become Ole's. Klara graduated in 1938 and taught school in Kensington and Brandon, MN. When World War II began she accepted an appointment to work in the War Production Board in Washington, D.C. At the end of the war she moved to Minneapolis and began working as a secretary for the EMC Corporation and then at the Augsburg Publishing House where she was employed for the next 22 years. She married Elliott M. Johnson on December 16, 1947 at Central Lutheran Church and their honeymoon included a cruise through the Panama Canal. Elliott was a property owner and their early years included living in his many apartment and hotel buildings, never owning a traditional house. Central Lutheran Church played an important role in Klara's busy life as she participated in many women's activities and became a major donor for church related causes. In the larger Twin City community she was active in the AAUW, WAMSO, the Women's Club, and St. Olaf College Alumni affairs. Klara enjoyed traveling throughout the world, including China and Africa and following the St. Olaf Choir to the Olympics in Seoul, Korea, to the Vatican in Rome, Italy, and of course to Norway. In 1980 Klara and Elliott established the Elliott and Klara Johnson Organ Chair at St. Olaf College which for many years has enhanced music excellence and the reputation of the St. Olaf Music Department. In her later years Mrs. Johnson suffered the effects of Alzheimer's disease, and gradually became more home bound. She did still make a special effort to attend the St. Olaf Christmas Festival. Klara Johnson's caregiving staff was exceptionally gifted and supervised by Ellen Swanson. Her funeral service will be at Central Lutheran Church, 333 South 12th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 612-870-4416 on February 3, 2011 at 11 AM with visitation at 10 AM at the church. Interment will be at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis. Memorials are preferred to Central Lutheran Church and English Rose Suites. Klara S. Johnson led an exemplary life, joyfully sharing her gifts of kindness to her friends, students, extended family, and the health care staff who served her to the end. Washburn-McReavy Davies Chapel 612-377-2203

Klara Johnson

January 30, 2011

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services