Watch Norma's Services

Norma Johnson, age 98, of Mahnomen, MN, died Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at Essentia Health St. Mary's Hospital, Detroit Lakes, MN.

Norma Grace Bjerken was born Easter morning, April 1, 1923, the daughter of Gustav and Nettie (Olson) Bjerken.  She grew up in Mahnomen where she attended school and graduated with the class of 1941.  Following graduation, Norma moved to Fargo, ND, and attended business college.  She was very efficient in shorthand and after receiving an award for her skills she moved to Washington DC and worked for the Department of War during WWII.  After a year, Norma returned to Mahnomen and met Russell Johnson at a dance at the Rainbow's End in Waubun.  Norma and Russell were united in marriage on March 14, 1943, at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen.  The couple made their home on the Johnson Family farm where they raised four boys.  Russell tended to the daily chores, the cows and the crops and Norma made their house a home.  They were named Outstanding Dairy Couple of Mahnomen County in the late 1960's.  Russell retired from farming in 1979 and they remained on the farm but spent their winters in Harlingen, TX, until 1992.  They even spent one winter in Arizona, but Russell's declining health required them to stay home the last two years before his death in May of 1995.  Norma continued to make her home on the farm until 2015 when she moved into Jefferson Apartments in Mahnomen.  Norma met Tillman Vraa and the two enjoyed outings like going to the casino, conversations over a cup of coffee and simply time spent together.  She had only recently moved to Pelican Landing in Detroit Lakes in July.

Norma had many pastimes including quilting, crocheting, bowling and playing cards, especially Bridge.  She kept active with her local homemaker's club, the Young at Heart Club on Thursdays and trips to the Shooting Star Casino.  In their younger years, she and Russell loved to go out dancing and then later in retirement, they took up the game of golf, even joining a league.  They also enjoyed traveling and were lucky enough to make two trips to Norway.  Norma had a steadfast faith that was evident in her day to day living.  She was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church where she was active with the ladies aid, circle and also taught both Sunday School and Thursday School for several years.  Above all, family meant the most to her and she cherished all the time she was able to spend with family, especially those precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Norma is survived by three sons: Rick (Judy) of Davison, MI, Tom (Sharon) of Maple Grove, MN, and Curtis (Julie) of Fargo, ND; 10 grandchildren: Sheri (Dave) Cullip, Janelle (Brian) Owens, Sheldin (Michelle) Johnson, Shalin (Paula) Johnson, TJay (Meghan) Johnson, Katrina (Matthew) Strasner, McCain (Becki) Johnson, Brittany (Matthew Hancock) Kirby, Andrea (Alex) Dixon, and Patti (Oliver) Finneman; 21 great-grandchildren; four sisters: Jean Hanson of Mahnomen, Lorraine (Allan) Peterson of Twin Valley, MN, Darlene McArthur and Gloria Freund, both of Detroit Lakes; sister-in-law, Bernice Bjerken, Ulen; special friend and companion, Tillman Vraa of West Fargo, ND; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Michael in 1979; sister, Bernice Backen; and five brothers: Arthur, Julius, Gilbert, Melvin and Lloyd Bjerken.

Blessed be the memory of Norma Johnson.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at the First Lutheran Church, Mahnomen, MN.  Visitation will be held Monday, August 23, 2021 from 5:00 -7:00 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen and continue one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will take place in the Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery, Mahnomen.

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