Jessie Bunetta (Johnson/Petersen) Johnson 1902 - 1981

JOHNSON, PETERSEN, HANSON, EGELAND, MICHAELSON, OGREN, PAULSON, MILLER

Posted By: Linda H Meyers (email)
Date: 6/5/2008 at 10:58:45

Jesse Bunetta Johnson, daughter of Albert and Christine Hanson Johnson, was born December 12, 1902 near Gilbert, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith by the late Pastor Thor Heimarck while living in the Gilbert area. On June 5. 1924, Jessie was married to Sophus Petersen. To this marriage was born one son, Charles. During this time, Jessie taught school for 34 years, 16 of those years at Milford Consolidated School near Nevada, and the remaining years at North Polk Communtiy Schools. She was considered an outstanding teacher, as many of her former students, superintendents and parents would tell. During this time, Jessie also served as postmistress at Gilbert for five years. Sophus passed away in 1962 while they lived in Ames.
Jessie was interested in her church, teaching Sunday School, Bible School, and was a member of the Ladies Aid and Love Circle. She was also interested in drama and writing original poems. Many will remember her reading of the Norwegian piece, "Sogna,"
On July 15, 1972, she was united in marriage to Henry Johnson of Thor, Iowa, and they made their home in Story City. Jessie passed away at the Story City Hospital on November 26, 1981 at the age of 78 years, 11 months and 14 days.
She is survived by her husband, Henry, of Story City; one son, Charles J. Petersen of Portland, Oregon; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Almina Egeland of Des Moines, and Leora (Mrs. Boyd Michaelson) of Story City; three step-daughters, Sharon Johnson of Des Plaines, Illinois; Mrs. Mavis Ogren of Indian Oaks, Minnesota; and Mrs. Lois Paulson of Mombasa, Kenya, Africa; and a foster son, Meridith Miller of Lake Elmo, Minnesota. She was preceded in death by her parents and her first husband.
Funeral services were held on Monday, November 30, 1981 at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Orville Sanderson officiating. Louise Olson, organist, accompanied Pastor Rolfe Johnstad, soloist, as he sang "How Great Thou Art" and "The Lord's Prayer." Casketbearers were Ward Wierson, Larry Olson, Merle Frette, Milford Johnson, Harvey Hansen and Steven Hanson. Burial followed at the Story City Cemetery.

---from the Story City Herald Dec. 9, 1981