Bernice Johnson

Bernice Eleanor (Baker) Johnson, age 88 of Osakis, passed away on Monday, Aug. 21st at the Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria, Mn.

On September 15, 1917, Bernice was born at home in Orange twsp, Douglas County, Osakis, Mn, third daughter of Levi and Emma (Schwanke) Baker. She attended country school District 97. She would help neighbors when children were born and she helped at the Breese's when the thrashing crew was in the area, and she also worked for Nash's Barn and Resort. She moved into Osakis in 1948-49 and worked at the bowling alley in Osakis as a waitress and took in laundry. On June 10, 1950, Bernice was united in marriage to Harvey G. Johnson at the Presbyterian Manse. She then went to work at Jerry's Grocery and at Bud's Supper Club in Sauk Centre. But her main occupation was wall papering and painting, both inside and out. She would also clean many homes after fires. Bernice was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Osakis.

In addition to all of her many talents, Bernice also found time to bake. She made homemade breads, doughnuts, rolls, and other goodies, and will long be remembered for her wonderful meals. She was an avid sports fan, especially her grandchildren's sporting events and also would take time to watch the Twins or Lawrence Welk. She had a green thumb for raising violets and patience to do beautiful embroidery work. She loved having people over or going to their house to visit or play cards, or going to a dance. Taking family trips and just riding around Osakis, or sitting in front of the bank or Tip Top watching and talking to people who stop by. Bernice was a hard working wife and mother and a doting grandma, who was very loved by her family and friends. Blessed be her memory.

Bernice is survived by her husband, Harvey Johnson of Osakis, a son, Dexter (Bernice) Baker of Osakis, a daughter, Sharon (Jim) Fearing of Long Prairie; 8 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; a step son, Jim (Connie) Brundage of Renton, Wa; a sister, Lavone ( Milton) Johnson of Nicolett, Mn, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, son-in-law, and grandson-Carol, Dennis and Bradley Scott Green, in 1965, 4 sisters; Pearl Harmon, Marvel Trousil, Arline Holder, and Marlys Nomeland. 2 brothers; Darrel and Donald Baker.

Funeral services for Bernice were held on Sat, Aug. 26th at 11:00am at the First Presbyterian Church in Osakis with Rev Kathy Schuler officiating. Musicians were Ellen Bangtson and Dana Hetland. Interment was at the Lakeside Cemetery in Osakis with honorary casketbearers being Cecelia Maus, Lorraine Judson, Loretta Marthaler, Florence Ritten, and the First Presbyterian Women's Organization. Active casketbearers were her grandchildren, Cheryl Chermak, Scott, Ken, and Kyle Baker, Kristie Giesler, Jody Fearing Trende, and Brian Fearing.

Funeral arrangements were handled by the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home