Viola Johnson

Viola Johnson, age 94 and lifetime resident of Osakis went to meet her Savior on Sunday evening, Nov. 8,2020 from the Galeon in Osakis where she was a resident.

MEMORIAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, APRIL 10 at 11 AM AT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF VILLARD.  INTERMENT AT LAKESIDE CEMETERY IN OSAKIS.  IT WILL BE LIVESTREAMED FOR VIEWING FROM OUR WEBSITE THAT MORNING.

Viola Darlene Randall was born on April 21, 1926 in rural Todd County to Ted and Edna (Fearing) Randall.  She grew up in Osakis and attended Dist. #101 through eighth grade and then graduated from Osakis High School in 1944.  She moved to Minneapolis and worked for almost three years with the Federal Reserve Bank as a check sorter.  On September 25, 1947 Viola was united in marriage to Edward ‘Eddie’ Johnson in Starbuck, MN.  They settled in Osakis and in addition to raising her own children, Viola ran a day-care business and also cared for foster children for twenty years.  She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Osakis and was very active as a member of the church choir, a Sunday School teacher, on the Board of Trustees and also as part of the Ladies Aide, and later a member of the Villard United Methodist Church.

Viola loved children, and even as a senior was drawn to being around them.  For over twenty-seven years she worked at Osakis Public School with the ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) program caring for the infants.  She would sit and rock the youngest ones to sleep with a very content smile on her own face.  She knew just how to calm them down and make them feel secure.  She was a creative person who enjoyed doing a variety of craft projects and she always had a crochet needle close by in the middle of another beautiful item ready to gift to family or friends.  Her love for others and generosity knew no bounds.  She was a doting and loving mother, Grandma and sister who will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

Viola is survived by her children, Jack & Tree Johnson of Austin, TX, Janet Sampson of Osakis, Melinda & Phil Betts of Plymouth, MN, Richard & Pauline Boyer of Perham;10 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; siblings, Shirley Resley of Osakis and, Randy Randall of Sauk Centre, MN, many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Eddie, an infant son, Michael Allen Johnson and a sisters, Zelda Herrman and Verda Feldt.