Audrey Ruth Johnson
Audrey Ruth Johnson, 89, passed away at her home at Deer Crest in Red Wing, MN on Wednesday, August 5, 2020. She was born October 16, 1930 to Franklin and Ruth (Wahlstein) Johnson at their home in rural Pepin. She joined a brother, Willard, to make their family complete. Audrey was baptized and confirmed at Sabylund Lutheran Church where she remained a lifetime member.
She attended the Barry Corner School and graduated from Pepin High School in 1948. During this time her parents encouraged her love of music and provided her opportunity to take piano lessons in Red Wing, MN. She often spoke fondly of that opportunity. She attended River Falls State Teacher’s College and graduated with a teaching degree in 1952. Her first 2 years of teaching were spent in Wausau, WI, followed by 32 years of teaching at Concord Elementary School in Edina, MN. During this time, she took a year off to complete her Master’s Degree at the University of Wisconsin- River Falls.
Audrey retired in 1987 and came back to her home community where she was active in church activities, including serving on the church council, singing in the choir, and participating in the ELCW of Sabylund. She served on the Laura Ingalls Wilder Society Board of Directors and often put on her “teacher’s hat” and went to the Little House Wayside to greet school children who came to Laura’s birthplace on their annual field trips. Other community involvements included working for the 1990 U.S. census and serving at the Town of Pepin elections.
She enjoyed visiting with her friends from Pepin and also her former teaching colleagues. Audrey enjoyed traveling in the early years of her retirement and visited many places in the United States, including a trip to Alaska.
Audrey is survived by her sister-in-law, Maxine Johnson of Red Wing; nephew, Lynn (Katie) Johnson of Pepin; three great nephews, Ryan (Renee) Linse of Maiden Rock, Darin (Francia) Linse of Stockholm, Preston (Abby) Johnson of Bennington, NE; great niece, Rachel (Matt) Gens of Shakopee, MN; many great-great nieces and nephews; and one great-great-great nephew.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Ruth (Wahlstein) Johnson; brother, Willard Johnson, and a niece and her husband, Pamela and Robert Linse.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at the New Sabylund Cemetery with Pastor Paul Oppedahl officiating. Please bring your own chair. Social distancing and face masks are required.
Goodrich Funeral Home in Durand, WI is assisting the family. To express on-line condolences, visit obituaries at www.goodrichfh.com.
