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Johnson, Lillian T. (1914-2012)

JOHNSON, QUAMME, OLSON, BILYEU

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 11/24/2012 at 20:33:39

Lillian T. Johnson
(September 30, 1914 - November 15, 2012)

Lillian Johnson, age 98, of Rake, passed away Thursday, November 15, 2012, at the Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center.

Born in Rake, Iowa, on September 30, 1914, to Arnold and Bertha (Olson) Quamme, Lillian was baptized at Liberty Lutheran Church in Rake. She had three brothers: Laverne, Wallace, and Gordon. Her older brother, Laverne, died in 1934 as a result of a motorcycle accident while coming home from the service.

Lillian went to country school west of Rake. She enjoyed playing baseball and ice skating. She always loved working in the kitchen. Having started to bake with her mother at a very early age, she especially liked to make angel food cakes and homemade bread. They baked in an oven on a wood-burning stove. At times, they would cook for ten to twelve thrashers. When she was 6 years old, she and Laverne helped their mother milk cows.

Lillian started driving at age 10. When her mother needed groceries from town, Lillian would go because her mother didn’t drive. At age 14, she had her own cream route. She also hauled sugar beets to town to the beet dump by the elevator. At harvest time, she would also haul corn and beans to town for her dad driving over what were just dirt roads. They could get pretty muddy after a good rain, but she never got stuck in the mud with her Model T or later in her Model A.

Lillian met Lars, a friend of her brother, Laverne, in Forest City. They rode motorcycles together. In short order, Lillian was riding with Lars on the back fender. They went to hill climbs as far away as Mankato, Albert Lea, and Waterloo.

Lars and Lillian married in Forest City on September 30, 1934, Lillian’s 20th birthday. Milton Olson and Opal Osland were their attendants. They lived in Forest City where Lars worked for Butch Richardson in his tire shop. They also sold Harley Davidson motorcycles. Later, they moved to Rake to farm on what is now called the Vaagen farm. Their first child, Lois, was born there. Ronald was also born there, but Carroll was born in Swea City where Lars worked on a sheep ranch.

Over the years, Lillian cooked in the cafes of Rake. She started for Irene Gullord. Later, she cooked for Robert Asmus, Marilyn Beck, Christie Olinger, and last of all for Jane Van Gerpen. Lillian also worked in a lampshade factory in Forest City.

Lillian was well known for her kringla and brownies. All the grandkids and great grandkids will attest to that.

Lillian had been a member of Zion Lutheran Church since she was confirmed at age 14. She was a member of Ladies Aid Society for over 70 years. She helped with many quilts completed at Zion. A friend to everyone, was a glowing example of what a Christian woman should be to her family and her community.

Lillian is survived by her son, Ronald (Nancy) Johnson, of Rake, Iowa; a daughter-in-law, Mary, of Winnebago, Minnesota; a son-in-law, Clayton Bilyeu, of Scottsdale, Arizona; eight grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and many great- great grandchildren; as well as three nieces and three nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lars; her brothers, Laverne, Gordon, and Wallace; her son, Carroll, her daughter, Lois, and her grandsons, Randy and Daniel.

Services will be at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, November 20, 2012, at Zion Lutheran Church in Rake, Iowa, with Pastor Terry Mahnke officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at the West Cemetery in Rake.

Copyright © 2012, Winter Funeral Home and Cremation Service

Winter Funeral Home and Cremation Service
 

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