Tena Johnson (1902-2006)

JOHNSON, NELSON, MADSEN, FRERICHS, ANDERSON, SWEET, RINGSTAD

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 7/29/2007 at 00:30:38

The Story City Herald, Wednesday, July 26, 2006.

Tena Johnson, age 104, died Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 25, 2006 at the United Church of Christ in Jewell with Rev. W. Michael Werner officiated. Burial followed at St. Paul's Cemetery, rural Jewell. A memorial fund has been established for Bethesda Lutheran Church in Jewell.

Tena Nelson was born March 17, 1902 on a farm southwest of Jewell to Charles A. and Marie (Madsen) Nelson. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir. Tena received her early education in a country school, attending high school in both Ames and Jewell. She also attended millinery training at Iowa State College and practiced millinery in Jewell for a short time. Tena then attended Normal School in Iowa Falls where she received her teaching certificate, teaching K-8 students for 10 years. On March 21, 1931 Tena married Clarence G. Johnson at Saint John's Lutheran Church in Northfield, Minnesota. They farmed near Jewell from 1931 to 1982.

Tena's volunteer efforts included: the girls 4-H leader in Hamilton County for two years, was a midwife for five families, and devoted many years to Bethesda Lutheran Church where she was a Sunday School teacher, served as President of the Ladies Aid, and Chairperson of the Stewardship Committee. Tena was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 55 years and had served as Vice President. She was a well known supporter of her community.

Tena is survived by her daughter, Janet Frerichs of Fort Myers, Florida; three grandchildren, Bradley Frerichs of Chanhassen, Minnesota, Stacey Frerichs of Cape Coral, Florida, and Amy Frerichs of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; five great-grandchildren, Josh, Aaron, Derek, Dustin, and Austin; two sisters, Luella Anderson of Story City and Betty Sweet of Garrison, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Claire Gale; her husband, Clarence in 1983; five brothers, Chet, Karl, Howard, Sterling, and Bob; and one sister, May Ringstad.