Johnson, Carolyn Mae Maurstad (1928-2020)

JOHNSON, MAURSTAD, FROST, HOCKMAN, SMITH, ANDERSON, BRESETTE, MARANTO, HANSON, NELSON

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:52:02

South Hamilton Record News, Jewell, Iowa
July 15, 2020

Carolyn Mae Johnson (Maurstad) long time resident of Ellsworth, Iowa died peacefully at the age of 91 on Friday, July 10, 2020. Carolyn was the beloved wife of the late Curtis W. Johnson and the loving mother of Cathy Frost (Curt), Cyndy Hockman (Steve), Chris Smith (Rod), the late Carleen Anderson (David), Celeste Bresette (Jim), and Colleen Maranto (Keith). She was dearly loved by her 18 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a friend to all who knew her.

Carolyn was born to Alfred and Alma (Hanson) Maurstad on September 18, 1928 in Beardsley, Minnesota. She was baptized into the Lutheran faith on October 15, 1928 and confirmed on October 10, 1943. Carolyn was a graduate of Armstrong High School and Waldorf College. On June 24, 1949 Carolyn married Curtis W. Johnson. The young couple first resided on a farm near Story City, Iowa. Then moved to the Johnson family farm near Ellsworth where they raised their six daughters.

Carolyn's faith was an inspiration to all. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ellsworth where she taught Sunday School, sang in the church choir, was involved with women's circle, and served in many leadership roles including President of the congregation. Carolyn was an active member of the Advanced Club and a 4H leader. For many years Carolyn enjoyed volunteering and sewing costumes for the South Hamilton musicals. Carolyn touched the lives of many through her cake decorating skills for graduations, birthdays and weddings. She especially enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family and friends at her lake home in Minnesota.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband Curtis W. Johnson, her daughter Carleen Anderson, son-in-law David Anderson, her parents Alfred and Alma Maurstad, her brother Capt. Alfred Maurstad (retd) and her sister Adeline Nelson.

Due to Covid and out of an abundance of care and respect for family and friends a public visitation without family present will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 from 5-7 p.m. at Adams & Soderstrum Funeral Home in Ames, Iowa. Mask and social distancing are encouraged. A private funeral service for family only will be on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 with interment at Homewood Cemetery in Ellsworth, Iowa.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life Ceremony for a later date to share memories with family and friends. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or Trinity Lutheran Church. Soderstrum-Reimers Funeral Home in Jewell is entrusted with arrangements.