Karen Johnson

After 78 years, Karen Marie Johnson, of Austin, Minnesota, completed her blessed journey of life on Thursday, September 3, 2020 at Samaritan Bethany Home on Eighth in Rochester, Minnesota.  Born on December 23, 1941 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Karen and her twin sister were chosen to become the daughters of Lillian (Horning) & Harold Olsen.  Karen was baptized in Albert Lea and confirmed in Albert Lea.  Thus, the beginning of a lifetime of unwavering faith.  Karen graduated from Albert Lea High School before attending post-secondary classes in business. Karen met the love of her life in May of 1959, and on May 21, 1960 she married Dale Johnson at the First Methodist Church in Albert Lea. They enjoyed 54 years together as mom and wife and also as best friends.  They had two sons, Joel “Joey” and Robert.  Karen and Dale farmed their entire married life. Karen also worked in bookkeeping and did some cashier work for a local grocery store. Most recently she was working at Fleet Farm in customer service.  A woman of strong faith, Karen was a member of Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, and served in many capacities there.  She served as Sunday School teacher, WELCA president, and also served as president of the church council.  She was also active in Dorcas Circle.  She enjoyed spending her time watching her children exhibit registered Holstein and watching her son Joey showing his Belgium Draft Horses. She collected Dairy Cattle Memorabilia and American Fostoria Glassware.  Karen’s lifelong mottos were “Don’t let the sun set on your cryin’, and “This too shall pass.”  She believed there was “no such thing as luck, only blessings” and “In the sweetness of memory, let there be much laughter and many blessings.”  Karen will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved her.

Karen is survived by her son Robert (Kathie) Johnson of Sioux City, IA, daughter-in-law, Brenda Johnson of Blooming Prairie; twin sister, Kathy Palmer of Rochester, MN; step-granddaughter, Kendall (Taylor) Hansen of St. Ansgar, IA; step-grandson, Kyle (Priscilla) Diggens of Austin; four step-great-grandchildren, Jolene and Blair, Kylee and Averie; nephews, Jim (Roxanne) Palmer and Brian Palmer. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Johnson; her parents, Harold and Lillian Olsen; her son, Joel “Joey” Johnson; brother- in- law, Erwin Palmer.

A private funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2020 at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church with Leandra Anderson officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin. Interment will follow the service in Red Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorials in Karen’s memory can be directed to the family or to recipient of donor’s choice. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements.