Maxine Elaine Johnson

We share in the celebration of the life of Maxine "Maggie" Johnson of Chatfield, Minnesota, who passed in peace on April 4, 2013. Maggie was born on December 20, 1940, in South Dakota and lived there until she was swept off her feet by the handsome Merlyn (Johnny) Johnson. In 1959 at the age of 18, she left her mother and four brothers in South Dakota and was off to a new life as a married woman. After going to business school, she followed Johnny's Air Force career to Tacoma, Washington, Reno, Nevada, and then to New Prague, Minnesota, with two boys in tow (Brad, Scott) and a girl (Tammy) on the way. After a few years there, they left to settle in Chatfield where the third boy (Cory) joined the family. She lived a life of a wonderful mother and independent working mom, who taught her children good moral values and how to sit still in church. She raised those children while working full-time at Twin Valley Ag. Association and still finding time for her fun with bowling league, ladies' night golf, and going out with friends. She gave her kids many hugs, much love, and enough independence to congratulate them in their adventures and support them when life was tough. She definitely deserved and received the highest respect from her children.

Just as she and Johnny were reaching their golden years and enjoying their first three grandchildren, Maggie suffered a medical trauma and began her life as a resident of Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield. Her dedicated husband, Johnny, passed away from cancer shortly thereafter. During the next sixteen years at the care center, she became a member of a second family that gave her the loving care she needed and, for that, her family is eternally grateful. We also want to thank all of mom's friends who took the time to visit her at the care center and bring a smile to her face. She is survived by her sons Brad (Kim) Johnson and Cory (Nichole) Johnson both of Spirit Lake, IA; daughter, Tammy (Chad) Danielson of Fountain, MN ; brothers Bob (Sue) Bren , Chad (Vicki) Bren, and sister-in-law Janice Bren, all of Goodwin, SD; grandchildren Jamie (Nicole), Danielle (Luke), Macayle, Kaylee, Dylin, Sydney, Ashlee, Evan, and Max; great-grandchildren Katryn, Kellan, and Oakley; and a daughter-in-law who was very dear to her, Faye Johnson of Chatfield.

Maggie's loved ones who beat her in the race to heaven were: Her husband Johnny, son Scott, father Oscar, mother Maizie, and brothers Coye and Oscar "Jr."(wife, Connie who passed March 2013). Another heartfelt thank you goes to the Riley Funeral Home of Chatfield for transporting Maggie to her final resting place in Goodwin, South Dakota. The funeral service will be held on April 15th at 12:30 p.m. at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Goodwin, South Dakota. After many years and many tears, Maggie and Johnny are back together again.

With love and admiration... Brad, Tammy, and Cory.