Alma Bertina Johnson

Alma B. Johnson, 88 of Velva , ND formerly of Minnewaukan and Minot , ND died on Friday, March 20, 2009 at the Souis Valley Care Center in Velva. Funeral Services for Alma will be held on Friday, March 27, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Free Lutheran Church , Minnewaukan. Rev. Lu Mathison will officiate and burial will be in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery , rural Minnewaukan in the spring. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m with a Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation on Friday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Serving as Casket Bearers for Alma will be Byron Brenno, Larry Brenno, Raymond Gustafson, Keith Gustafson, Mike Toy, Derrick Nelson and Darcy Aberle. Music will be provided by Claudette Carlson, soloist and Deanna Hanson, organist. Alma Bertina, the daughter of Nils and Bertha (Swenson) Gustafson was born on August 26, 1920 in rural Harlow, ND where she was reared and educated attending Washington School, rural Harlow. She worked for several years as a housekeeper and nanny for several families in the Harlow area. Alma was united in marriage to Fred T. “Freddie” Johnson on September 25, 1940 at Minnewaukan. They made their home in the Churchs Ferry area for a short time, then they moved to Minnewaukan where they lived, worked and raised their son through the years. While living in Minnewaukan, Alma worked as a housekeeper for Albert Lindstrom family for a number of years and also worked as a custodian at the Minnewaukan School. Those were jobs, but Alma was always lending a helping hand to neighbors, friends, anyone in need; doing laundry, giving home permanents, cooking, baking and canning and sharing those special treats. She was a member of Trinity Free Lutheran Church , Sons of Norway and former member of the Eagles Auxiliary. In 2002, Alma and Fred moved to Minot to be closer to family. They dedicated themselves to caring for their grandchildren and great grandchildren. This meant tea parties with the girls, playing countless games of cards, telling bedtime stories, and rocking each precious child to sleep. Her famous “brown buns,” canned fruits and vegetables and favorite goodies were always available at grandma’s house. The grandchildren were not the only recipients of this hospitality but anyone that came through the door for a visit. Alma loved to have company and no one ever left the Johnson house without sharing at least a cup of coffee and a baked goody. In 2006, Alma and Fred entered the Souris Valley Care Center in Velva. Fred passed away on September 29, 2007. In their many years together, Alma and Fred loved to go dancing and visit with friends and neighbors. Making lefse and canning were usually a “team” effort. In the garden, Alma loved the beauty and serenity of her flowers and indoors she had a very special talent with violets. And when you are drying dishes with that embroidered dish towel, of course it was a homemade gift from Alma . Alma lived a life of true faith in God and love and devotion to family. In our hearts and memories, we will forever hold Alma ’s love. Alma is survived by her loving family: Her son, Duane and his wife, Roberta of Minot; Granddaughters: Kristi Toy and her husband, Michael of Watford City, ND; Kim Nelson and her husband, Derrick of Underwood, MN; Kelly Aberle and her husband, Darcy of Williston, ND; Great Grandchildren: Kelsey, Karlie, Kyle and Michael Toy; Kirby and Kia Nelson; Brady Aberle; Sisters-In-Law: Lillian Salisbury of Fargo , ND and Margaret Darling of Port Angeles, Washington; Numerous nieces, nephews and their families also survive. Alma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fred; brothers, Gordon, Edwin and Norman Gustafson; sisters, Agnes Gustafson and Signe Brenno.