Margaret Johnson

Marge was born in Fargo on August 9, 1920. She was the only child born to Karl Ivar and Anna Nelson, who had immigrated from Sweden and Hungary in their early years. She attended and graduated from Central High in Fargo. She then attended Fargo Business College, and went on to work at North Dakota Agricultural College in the agronomy department until she married. Marge met a wonderful man named Bernard “Bernie” W. Johnson from Amenia, ND, while in business College. They were married after the war, in Mason City, Iowa, on January 5, 1946. The first few years were spent living with Bernie’s parents on the family farm just south of Fargo. They then moved into Fargo, and lived on the north side the remainder of their years together. On January 5th, they celebrated their 62nd anniversary of commitment to their marriage vows. Marge spent her married life as a homemaker, devoted to serving others – raising three daughters, supporting her husband in his work, seeking ways to help others in the community, and in her church. She was actively involved until death at Messiah Lutheran Church. She and the group of women from Messiah made hundreds of quilts for those in need. She spent over 30 years delivering Meals on Wheels. In these later years, Marge devoted her days tending to her husband’s daily challenges in dealing with Parkinson’s disease. Marge loved anything to do with nature. She had a special love for her beloved Rose Lake, where she spent every available moment each summer. This is the place where she truly found peace. Marge will be dearly missed by her family, as well as the many friends she has held close at heart over the years. Her life touched many, through her kind words and actions. Marge is survived by her husband, Bernie, Fargo, ND; three daughters, Cheryl (John) Fredricks, Fargo; Barb (Mike) Rawalt, Anchorage, AK; and Marlene (Napoleon) Espejo, Fargo. Two grandsons, Brett Rawalt, and Christian (Suzi) Rawalt, both of Anchorage, AK. Four step-grandchildren, Natalia, Juan, Luis, and Daniel Espejo, all of Fargo. Five great grandchildren, Hosanna Rawalt, Sarasota, FL; Molly, Micah, Max, and Nisha Rawalt, all of Anchorage. Margaret died Thursday, April 24, 2008, after a fall in her home in Fargo. Marge was preceded in death by her parents, Karl Ivar and Anna Nelson. Memorials are preferred to Messiah TV ministry and Family HealthCare Center, Fargo, ND. Funeral Service: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 11am; Messiah Lutheran Church, Fargo. Visitation: 5-7pm Monday, April 28 at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home Prayer Service: 7:00pm at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home on Monday, April 28, 2008 Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens