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.
Due to the COVID pandemic, a Praise Service to Celebrate her Life will be scheduled at a later date. She will be interred with her husband 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
Dear Greg and Paul and families. Your mom and I were sisters!! Yes indeed we served together as co chairs of the Senior group OASIS at First Baptist /Autumn Ridge Church. So often when we got together for a meeting, social event or church we were dressed in the same colors!!
We had a special bond and I looked to her as a wise mentor/sister and fun person.
We had so many good laughs together!
Chuck and I were happy to have your dad and mom at our home for suppers in the summer and fall.
Praying for the Holy Spirit to fill you with overflowing Peace as only the Holy Spirit can
Dear Greg, Paul, and families,
We have cherished memories of Carol & Jennings friendship and serving together on many boards at First Baptist Church. They were true servants of the Lord and served Him in so many ways and their faith showed so much in their lives. May your loving memories of your Mom bring you comfort and may God's grace bring you peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Our love,
Reuben & Verda Tschritter
We remember Carol mostly for her gardening and lawn work during the summers. When she and Jennings moved to Charter House, Carol gave us clumps of their peonies to plant in our backyard. Every summer we would pick a bouquet of peonies and deliver them to their apartment along with a visit, which we all enjoyed. After we moved to Charter House, Marcia would visit Carol in Assisted Living and they'd reminisce about the old neighborhood. Farewell old friend, Allen and Marcia Dollerschell
Dear Greg & Paul and family, Our families were so very close. We were able to go ice skating, sledding & skiing, swimming either in Florida your folks cabin or on the Mississippi and of course at Mayflower Resort. There were so many fun times that I can't list them all. I know that I will never forget them as we were like family and all had a good time. Carol was always my "mother" at the Mother & Daughter banquets. What an honor that was. Let alone that your parents were our Legal Guardians. Both Jennings & Carol will always be in our hearts. I love you all. We are praying for you at this time.
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