Lola Johnson

Lola Johnson, 83, died Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010, at Bayshore Health Center in Duluth.

She was born June 20, 1927, in Virginia to Edward and Mayme Toleen.

She graduated from Virginia High School in 1944, and received a degree from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in 1948.

She married William E. Johnson Dec. 23, 1949, and they enjoyed more than 60 years together until his death in April of this year.

Lola worked as a registered nurse for more than 30 years at Lake View Memorial Hospital in Two Harbors while raising her four children. She was a dedicated, skilled and compassionate nurse. Always a strong advocate for her profession, she helped to organize a union for better pay and working conditions.

Lola was very proud of her Finnish heritage, and demonstrated a strong streak of sisu in her character. She enjoyed dancing, cooking, reading, traveling, discussing current affairs, and following the activities and adventures of her children and grandchildren.

She will be remembered with love and gratitude.

Lola was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her sisters, Audrey and Alyce; and brothers Robert and Leslie.

She is survived by her four children: Scott (Beth) of Black River Falls, Wis.; Bruce of White River Junction, Vt.; David (Masha) of Geneva, Switzerland; and Laurie (Rick) of Two Harbors; as well her grandchildren, Darya Johnson of Geneva, Eric Johnson of Gland, Switzerland, Sean Johnson of Denver, Matthew Bamberg-Johnson of Los Angeles, Nathaniel Bamberg-Johnson of West Simsbury, Conn.; Shaun Bjerkos (Amy) of Coon Valley, Wis., Nicholas McGinnis of Milwaukee, and Mike McGinnis of Denver. Lola is also survived by her many special nephews and nieces.

In keeping with Lola’s wishes, her body was cremated and there was no formal memorial service. Family members gathered on the Iron Range to celebrate her life and honor her memory with stories, tears, and laughter.

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