Magdalene Johnson

Magdalene "Helen" Johnson, 97, was born Feb. 18, 1914, the oldest child of Lillian (Bjorklund) and Carl Wallner. Her three brothers, Carl, Claude "Vic" and Leslie "Butch" preceded her in death. She grew up and lived in East Kingsford. Three years ago as her health declined, she moved into Evergreen Assisted Living. Helen graduated from Kingsford High School in 1932. After graduation, she attended Marquette College and studied practical nursing. For many years, she worked in home health care. Helen was a very active member of the community. She volunteered at the old Dickinson Memorial Hospital. She enjoyed participating in the Hospital League Auxiliary and the Iron Mountain/Kingsford Women's Club. Her life was dedicated to serving others, She tutored and nurtured many of the children in her neighborhood. Helen was always willing to offer transport to numerous friends and relatives to appointments, shopping and church. Her many friends and relatives were blessed with her telephone ministry. There were many who looked forward to her daily uplifting phone call. Helen was a faithful member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. She taught all grades of Sunday school and was superintendent of the Sunday school. Helen always enjoyed being a Circle member and attended Circle meetings even while living at Evergreen. Helen married the love of her life Duane E. Johnson in 1949. He died in 1978. She is survived by her son, Dr. Barry (Ann) Johnson of Kingsford and their sons, Erik (Sarah) of Hamden, Conn.; Gabriel (Rachel) of Marquette and Jim (Alice) also of Marquette. Her daughter, Launice died in 2001 but her husband, Lee Bashford of Waukesha, Wis., survives along with their children, Todd of Waukesha and LeAnn (Kent) Caelwaerts of Pulaski. Three great-grandchildren blessed her life, Danielle and Kasey Caelwearts and Sarah Ann Johnson. She also leaves behind her sisters-in-law, June Wallner and Bethel Wallner, JoAnn Pilon, all of Kingsford, Myrtle Hutter and Helen Korpi, both of Marquette and brother-in-law, Robert Johnson of Ispheming along with numerous nieces, nephews and special friends. Visitation will be Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain. The funeral service will follow at 12 noon at the church. Rev. Stephen Cowen will officiate. Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park. Helen's grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Memorials may be made in her memory to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. The family wishes to offer special thanks to Drs. Ziemba and VanLaanen, the staff at Evergreen Assisted Living, the Pastors at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church and her cousin, Dickie Constantine (weekly visits) Condolences to the family of Magdalene "Helen" Johnson can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the funeral arrangements.

Magdalene Johnson

March 26, 1914 - March 26, 2011