Johnson, Irene F. (1924-2005)

JOHNSON, BELDING, HARPER, ASHBAUGH, FOSS, DUGGAN, MCFADDEN

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 1/17/2010 at 14:31:25

Irene F. Johnson - Mar. 26, 1924 - Aug. 11, 2005

Irene Frances Belding Johnson, age 81, of Marathon, Iowa entered the Church Triumphant on Thursday, August 11, 2005 at the Perry Lutheran Home in Perry, Iowa.

Irene was born on March 26, 1924 to Alva I. and Mabel H. C. (Harper) Belding in Brancepeth, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Irene was baptized in the Christian faith in the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in rural Brancepeth, Saskatchewan.

Irene received her early education in the Derby School in Brancepeth. When her father’s health failed in the early 1930’s, Irene and her parents moved to Albert City, Iowa to live with two of her father’s cousins, Al and Ray Ashbaugh. Irene continued her education in the Lincoln Lee Consolidated School, from which she graduated in 1943. She was an active student with membership in the school band and as the pitcher for the kittenball team, among other activities.

Following her graduation from Lincoln Lee, Irene attended summer school at Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa. She taught her first year in a rural school near Fonda, Iowa. Following that year Irene also taught in her alma mater, Lincoln Lee, and in the Albert City School.

On February 1, 1947, Irene was united in marriage to Glenn Elmer Johnson at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Albert City, Iowa. To this union were born nine children: four sons and five daughters. Irene spent much of her life supporting her family and especially her children in a variety of school and community activities.

In November of 1964, Irene and her husband, Glenn, entered business in Marathon as the proprietors of Johnson’s Speed Wash and Recreation. Irene and her family operated this business on Main Street in Marathon for more than ten years. In 1965, Irene returned to college, once again at Buena Vista in Storm Lake, to renew her teaching credentials. She taught for several years in the South Clay Community School in Webb, Iowa. She then taught in the elementary and middle schools of the Marathon Consolidated and Laurens-Marathon Schools, until her retirement from teaching in 1986. Irene was a dedicated teacher who sought to make all her students, including her sons Ron and Russ Johnson, scholars who gained from her instruction.

While teaching and operating a business, Irene attended summer school at Buena Vista College, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 1973.

Irene was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Marathon, where she served as a member of the Church Council, a member and officer of the Women of the ELCA, and a Bible School teacher. She was a member of the Tuesday Study Club, the Rebekah Lodge, the American Legion Auxiliary, the West Friendly Circle and other community groups. Irene was also a member and state officer of the Mother of Twins Club of Iowa. Irene enjoyed playing cards with such groups as the Happy Twelve Club, the Unique Club, the Birthday Club and the Canasta Club.

Irene lived the last one and a half years of her life in the Perry Lutheran Home in Perry, Iowa.

Irene was proud of her Canadian heritage and enjoyed trips to see her relatives there after emigrating to the United States of America. She was also proud of her U.S. citizenship and her Iowa home. Irene enjoyed traveling and took her family to see much of the natural beauty and historical sights of the United States and Canada. After her retirement from teaching, Irene took a number of trips throughout the U.S. and to Europe.

Irene is survived by six children: Richard A. Johnson of Riverside, Ohio; Darlene K. Foss and her husband, Gary, of Grand Junction, Colorado; Marlene V. Johnson of Perry, Iowa; Carol I. Johnson of Perry, Iowa; Marilyn D. Johnson of Marathon, Iowa; and Ronald K. Johnson of Perry, Iowa; three grandchildren: Kevin Duggan, Brady Duggan and Jennifer McFadden; one son-in-law, Michael Duggan of Greeley, Colorado; one sister-in-law, Leona Johnson of Fort Dodge, Iowa; a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Glenn; her daughter, Karen; her son, Russell; and her son, Robert, who died in infancy.

Irene enjoyed life and especially her family. Her favorite activities included dancing, playing cards and other games, dining out, traveling, and spectator sports. She was an avid fan of high school sports in Marathon and Laurens, and of college sports at Iowa State University where she was a long-time football season ticket holder.

Irene’s quick wit and smile will be missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 15, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Marathon, with Reverend Duane Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Poland Township Cemetery at Marathon. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Marathon is in charge of the arrangements.

Visitation will be held Sunday, August 14, 2005 from 2:00—6:00 p.m. at the Sliefert Funeral Home Chapel in Marathon, where the family will be present.

Copyright © 2005, Sliefert Funeral Homes

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