- Date Of Birth: February 1, 1937
- Date Of Death: October 12, 2022
- State: Minnesota
Betty Johnson, 85, formerly of Alvarado, MN, died on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.
Betty JoAnn Peters Johnson was born on February 1, 1937 in Strandquist, MN, the daughter of Joe and Irene Peters. As a girl, Betty moved to Montana, and spent her childhood in the Bull Mountains near Roundup. When she was 16, Betty returned to Minnesota and met Donald Johnson.
Donald and Betty were married in South St. Paul on May 29, 1954. Their first daughter, Deborah died on November 16, 1954, but five more followed in the years to come. The growing family made their home in Viking Township and Argyle, MN before settling in Alvarado, MN. Betty and Donald proudly ran the Johnson Cafe from 1964-1983. Betty then went to work at Simplot until 2003, when she retired.
Starting in 2003, Betty began volunteering as a Paraprofessional at the school in Warren, MN. In 2010, Betty moved to Grand Forks, ND where she continued volunteering at Viking Elementary until 2017. Betty found a great deal of joy in helping children and simply loved doing it. After that, Betty moved into the Good Samaritan Heritage Grove assisted living.
Betty’s happiest times were with her grandchildren and teaching them the skill of cooking from scratch. She never measured anything and enjoyed advising her grandchildren (and some of her own children) with cooking tips. She found it funny to watch her grandchildren struggle with her by-feel measurements.
Betty liked playing pinochle, gardening, and fishing at Springsteel resort- and she took great pride in showing off photos of her huge catches. Her family will fondly remember her asking “Is it time for a nightcapper?” and proceeding to enjoy a splash of brandy with her loved ones.
Betty is survived by five children, Dawn (Todd) Kuntz, Rita (Rick) Bowen, Dennis (Brenda) Johnson, Kevin (Tammy) Johnson, and Penny Duray; 17 grandchildren, Andrea, Cindy, Theresa, Leah, Bryan, Amy, Greg, Melissa, Elizabeth, Mitchell, Brandi, Amanda, Heather, Derrick, Michael, Ashley, and Tricia; 28 great-grandchildren; siblings, Beverly, Herbert (Jacki), and David (Annette) Maurstad; and nieces and nephews.
In addition to her daughter, Deborah, and her husband, Donald, who died on July 10, 2001; Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Joe Peters, Irene and Morris Maurstad; and sisters, Bernice Kostrzewski, Berdell Codwell, and MaryAnn Maurstad.
