Please click on the video tribute below to view Clara's graveside service.

Clara J. Johnson, 92, Moorhead, MN, formerly of Beltrami, MN, was welcomed into Heaven on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 with Claudia holding her hand.

Clara was born on January 23, 1928 in Crookston, MN. She was the 6th child born to Theodore and Helen (Evje) Stromstad . She attended the White Dove School in Scandia Township. At age 13 Clara started at the Agricultural College (AC) in Crookston, MN, graduating in 1945. She attended Concordia College where she studied bookkeeping.  She worked at the Polk County Courthouse for three years.

On April 15, 1950 she married Calmer Johnson at the Scandia Lutheran Church in rural Beltrami. Much to Clara's dismay, Calmer had the farming itch. So that fall they moved to their farm in Scandia Township and farmed there side by side for 42 years. Two children were born to them, Claudia Kay and Grant Calmer. Clara was an honorable wife and a sacrificial mother. She enjoyed what some people would call the simple things in life.

Clara loved being outside on a beautiful day, she loved watching the sunset, watching the moon, and she loved birds, especially wrens in MN and mockingbirds in TX. She was an ardent Twins fan, lovingly calling them her boys. She enjoyed a good cup of coffee or iced tea with company. She loved the old hymns and choruses, and enjoyed Bible studies, mentoring, and being an encouragement to others. She enjoyed the role of Grandma and was so proud to be an American.

Calmer and Clara retired in 1992 and moved to Moorhead, MN. Both became active members at Triumph Lutheran Church. During their winters they starting going to Alamo, TX where they volunteered at the Bibleville Conference grounds.

Clara is survived by her daughter, Claudia (Jerry) Axvig, Moorhead, MN; 7 grandchildren and their spouses; 30 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-granddaughter, soon to be two; brother, Raymond (Marvie) Stromstad, Beltrami, MN; sisters-in-law, Charlene Stromstad, Fertile, MN, Marlene Johnson, Grand Forks, ND, and Karleen (Lee) Eberly, PA; and many dear friends, nephews, nieces, cousins and godchildren.

Clara is preceded in death by her husband, Calmer in 2004; son, Grant in 1964; brothers, Melvin (Ruth) Stromstad,  Johnny (Olga) Stromstad, and Walter Stromstad; sisters, Dora (Alvin) Opdahl, and Edna Stromstad, and brothers-in-law, Curtis (Mona) Johnson, Ray (Joanne) Johnson, and Lorne Johnson.

Memorials are preferred to:

Children of Promise International

6844 Loop Road

Centerville, OH 45459-2159

in support of Tim and Dena Stromstad

Scandia Cemetery Fund

45492 270th Ave SW

Beltrami, MN 56517-9563

Triumph Lutheran Brethren Church

2901 20th Street South

Moorhead, MN 56560

For Mission Society

Graveside Service : 2:00 PM, Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at Scandia Lutheran Cemetery, rural Beltrami, MN, following all of the Minnesota and CDC COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. All are encouraged to wear a mask.

Visitation : One hour before the service at the cemetery.

Please view our guestbook and share condolences online for the family.