Gertrude Hattie Elaine Johnson

Gertrude Hattie Elaine Johnson, 93, of Owatonna, MN passed away peacefully on November 21, 2022 at the New Richland Care Center, New Richland, MN.

Gertrude was born on September 15, 1929 to Carl and Edith Johnson in New Richland, MN.  She was raised on the family farm in New Richland and attended New Richland District #85 country school.  She attended the Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis for two years and following her college graduation moved to Owatonna.  She was employed at Knodes Laundry in Owatonna, MN as an office assistant and Federated Insurance in Owatonna, MN until her retirement.

At the age of 15, Gertrude had polio which left her with minimal use of her legs.  She never let that slow her down and she used Canadian Crutches to help her get around.  One of the advantages to the use of crutches most of her life was her ability to beat everyone at an arm-wrestling match. When Gertrude was driving age, she purchased a 1965 Chevrolet Impala; a hand brake was designed and installed by her brother-in-law to assist in her driving.  Gertrude was strong willed, independent, soft spoken, kind, giving, and had an undying devotion to family and God.  She was known as the pillar of the family and never missed sending a card for birthdays and anniversaries. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing and was especially known for making her shrimp salad for family gatherings.  Family gatherings were also complete with homemade goulash and egg coffee prepared by Gertrude and her sisters.  Gertrude was a baptized and confirmed, lifelong member of Vista Lutheran Church in New Richland, MN.  Gertrude’s heartwarming smile and twinkling eyes will be missed by those who loved her.

Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Helen Miller of Hayfield, MN; sister-in-law, Marnae Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Dorothy Hendrickson, Lenore Johnson, and Evelyn (Wayne) Breck; brothers, Glen (Phyliss) Johnson, Delbert (Marie) Johnson, Lowell Johnson, and Harvey Johnson; nephew, Kevin Johnson; nieces, Teri Lee Johnson and Kathy Miller.

Services for Gertrude will be held on December 2, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Vista Lutheran Church in New Richland, MN; Pastor Daniel Kordahl will be officiating.  A visitation will be held on hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Vista Lutheran Cemetery, New Richland, MN.