Norma Ilene Johnson

Norma Ilene Johnson, 90, of Kasson, MN formerly of Hayfield, MN, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Prairie Meadows Senior Living in Kasson, MN. Norma was surrounded by her loving family.

Norma was born in Hayfield, MN on July 6, 1933. She was the oldest of five children born to Dayton and Hazel (Exe) Lee.  On August 30, 1950, Norma married the love of her life, Arvid Johnson. They lived and farmed in Hayfield, MN until 1964. From there they moved to Rochester, MN where they raised 9 children. 25 years later, they found their way back to an 80-acre hobby farm in Hayfield, MN. Norma was employed at Methodist Hospital (Mayo Clinic) for 25 years and several years at Dodge Center Nursing Home before finally retiring in 1990.

Norma enjoyed being a farm wife, being in the kitchen cooking for her husband, children, grandkids, and friends. Always having an open door for all to reach their hands into the cookies jar and a cup of coffee or cold glass of milk. Lots of loving hugs and big kisses on the cheeks. Norma enjoyed playing the piano. The family could expect a phone call from Norma on their birthdays with her playing the piano and singing happy birthday. This would include her well known heart felt Norwegian yodeling. Keeping the heritage alive, Norma would look forward to the annual Lutefisk and Lefsa dinner with her family. Norma was well known in the small neighborhood in Rochester for calling her kids home. When others heard the Johnson kids being called home by Norma’s voice, they too knew it was time for them to go to their own home. Norma was like a second mom to so many. Norma was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church. Always preaching to her kids the importance of the grandchildren being baptized and confirmed.

Norma is survived by 8 children, Army veteran Daniel (Gail) Johnson, Pine River, MN, Susan (Steven) Laack, Cherry Grove, MN, Randy (Kathy) Johnson, Kasson, MN, Ricky (Tammy) Johnson, Rochester, MN, Linda Johnson, Rochester, MN, Army veteran Jeffery (Virginia) Johnson, West Concord, MN, Brad Johnson (Beth Hodgman), West Concord, MN, Tammy (Ray) Ellison, Rochester, MN; 26 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren; 3 siblings, Diane Tucker, Rochester, MN; Deloris Fjerstad, Hayfield, MN; Allen (Julie) Lee, Riceville, LA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dayton and Hazel Lee; husband, Arvid Johnson; 2 sons, Duane Johnson and Army veteran Leslie Johnson; one grandson, Cory Johnson; and one sister, Mary Behne.

A visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 501 2nd St NW Hayfield, MN and one hour prior to her service at the church.   A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 810 3rd Ave SE in Rochester, MN.  Interment will be in West St. Olaf Lutheran Cemetery in Hayfield, MN.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 501 2nd St NW Hayfield, MN 55940 (507) 477-2259. Blessed be her memory.