Carol Johnson

Carol Louise (Sjordal) Johnson was born to Ingeborg Alma Christina (Sund) and Alvin Sjordal in Ada, MN on April 30, 1929. She went home to heaven on December 9, 2020 to be with her Lord and to be joined with her husband Jennings, brother Jim and her parents. She had a rich heritage from her Swedish/Norwegian background and enjoyed keeping alive some traditions of both countries. In 1934 her family moved to Minneapolis, where she attended Seward Grade School and South High. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. To pursue her intent of becoming a teacher she went to the University of Minnesota, Miss Woods' Elementary Training School and received a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education from Macalester College in 1954. She married Jennings O. Johnson in 1950 and moved to Rochester, MN where Jennings was a science teacher, then Principal of Central Junior High and finally the Principal of John Marshall High School. Carol taught at Hillside School in Rochester in 1950 and 1951, was a full-time mother until 1962, then a substitute teacher for 26 years. Her life was a testimony to the Grace of God. She will be remembered for her fun and joyful spirit, loving service to others, and as a faithful friend. As a member of Autumn Ridge Church (First Baptist) she served on several boards, taught Sunday School for many years, sang in the choir, attended Bible Studies, was involved in many social activities including an active social group for seniors. She had many varied interests. A favorite for many years was to volunteer in the nurseries at Golden Hills School. She enjoyed traveling (especially car trips to Florida), counted cross-stitch, gardening, reading, and many activities with a wide circle of good friends and gatherings for family birthdays, holidays and special occasions. She also enjoyed various activities at Charter House where she lived for 13 years, the first 4 years with Jennings. Being interested in sports, she was an active supporter of her sons' athletic teams, especially hockey. She also supported local and Minnesota sports teams including the Gophers (U of MN), Vikings, Twins and Wild. Additionally, for 30 years she enjoyed spending time at their cabin on Lake Inguadona (Longville, MN) where they could swim, fish and be official "Loon Watchers". Foremost, she enjoyed being with family - husband, sons and their families, grandchildren, cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews and their families, and the next generation of great nieces and nephews. Every occasion was worthy of a celebration. She was preceded in death by her husband, brother (Jim Sjordal), her parents, and in-laws. She is survived by her sons, Paul (Susan) of Bend, OR and Greg (Darlene) of Rawlins, WY; grandchildren, Stacy (Josh) Lucas, Claire (Joe) Dawley and Phillip Johnson; great-grandchildren, Chase, Kate, Norah and Judah; nieces and nephews and their spouses and children, who were loved as grandchildren; brother-in-law Jim Lundberg; special members of stepfamilies/bonus families. In lieu of flowers, memorial suggestions are Autumn Ridge Church, Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, Salvation Army, or the donor's choice. A Praise Service to Celebrate her Life will be held 2:00 PM Friday, September 3, 2021 at Autumn Ridge Church, 3611 Salem Ridge Rd SW, Rochester, MN with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. A private family interment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Johnson family; to leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com