Verna V. Johnson

Verna V. Johnson

March 17, 1926 – April 1, 2026

Verna Valgerdur Johnson, age 100, passed away April 1, 2026, surrounded by loving family, at Prairie Bluffs Senior Living, Eden Prairie, MN. Verna was born March 17, 1926 on the family farm near Gardar, ND, to the late John H. and Gudrun (Magnusson) Johnson. Verna attended school in Gardar, graduating from high school in 1943 at age 17.  Shortly after, she took the train to Saint Paul, MN to join the U.S. Cadet Nursing Corp. at Ancker School of Nursing, graduating with her nursing degree in May 1946. Verna was a remarkable nurse, first working at Ancker Hospital for nine years, including as a head nurse, and then again working part-time at Golden Age Nursing Home, Roseville, MN, after her daughters were nearly grown.

On April 30, 1955, Verna married her best friend, Orville M. Johnson, Saint Paul, MN, at Como Park Lutheran Church, Saint Paul. They made their home in Roseville, MN and later Falcon Heights, MN, raising three daughters. Once married, Verna cherished being a devoted homemaker, always ensuring her family and home were well cared for and warmly loved. They were blessed with 50 years of loving marriage.

Verna treasured her Icelandic heritage and was known for her delicious, perfectly layered, Icelandic vinarterta cakes. She spoke Icelandic in her youth and traveled to Iceland at the age of 81. She also crafted beautiful embroidery, latch hook and needlepoint. She was an active member of Como Park Lutheran Church. 

Verna is survived by her adoring family. Daughters: Linda (Brent) Bjornson, Gardar, ND; Nancy (Joel) Kangas, Fargo, ND; and Susan (Craig) Anderson, Eden Prairie, MN. Six grandchildren: Angela (Patrick) Novak, Melissa (Pete) Nettleton, Stefanie (Jared) Hardy, Christopher Kangas, Megan (Jack) Flanagan and Chelsie (Scott) Hartzell. Eight great-grandchildren: Asher, Ethan, Arya, Freya, Norah, Adelaide, Everett and Connor. She is also survived by her brother John H. Johnson, Gardar, ND, as well as several nieces and nephews. Verna is preceded in death by her husband Orville, brother Magnus Johnson, sister Dorothy Hendrickson and two infant sisters.

A memorial service for Verna will be held Saturday, April 11 at 12 p.m. at Como Park Lutheran Church (1376 Hoyt Ave W., Saint Paul). Memorials preferred to Como Park Lutheran Church or Gardar Lutheran Pioneer Church.

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