Johnson, Mildred Elizabeth (Borness) 1919 – 2012

JOHNSON, BORNESS, THORBYORNSON, LIEN, EHLER, LAPLANT, FRITZ, RUCKDASHEL, GIENAU, EHR

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 3/3/2013 at 15:30:35

Source: Decorah Journal September 6, 2012, Page A-9

Mildred Johnson

Mildred Elizabeth Johnson passed away Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012, at her home in rural Clermont, surrounded by her loving family. Funeral services were Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 11 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in rural Ossian, with Rev. Marshall Nessa officiating. Interment followed the service at Hillside Cemetery in Ossian. A public visitation was Tuesday, Sept. 4, from 4-8 p.m., at Burnham-Wood Funeral Home in West Union. Burnham-Wood and S.K. Rogers Funeral Home of West Union were in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at skrogersfuneralhome.com.

She was born Aug. 28, 1919, the youngest of five children, to Ehgvold and Cecelia (Thorbyornson) Borness on the family farm in rural Ossian. She graduated in the spring of 1933 from The Lee Country School in rural Ossian and was confirmed that fall at the Ossian Lutheran Church. She was united in marriage to Harry Otto Johnson June 4, 1938, in Ossian. The couple made their home in several states before returning to Iowa.

One of Harry and Mildred’s greatest blessings was receiving their daughter Shelley Lynn, in 1956. Being the devoted wife, Mildred helped her husband with his many adventures as a farmer, working on oil derricks, training horses and helping with his pastoral duties. But her career choice was cooking, and she never had a problem finding work. After cooking for nursing homes, hospitals, restaurants, and at the University of Nebraska, and cooking for 10 hungry boys at Lew hall, she decided to fulfill her dreams and open her own restaurant in Festina Iowa calling it “The Lariat.” Mildred owned and operated “The Lariat” from 1972 until 1985 for which she was best known for her famous fried chicken and fish. To the dismay of her many customers, she closed due to health issues. To the joy of her family, she still continued to cook and bake, and occasionally would cater a special event, as she loved to entertain.

Mildred’s other enjoyments were quilting and cross-stitching. She also enjoyed visiting with friends and family and researching the family history.

Mildred’s greatest joy was being a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandma. She enjoyed playing games with Allyson and Isaiah, listening to Zachary sing and play guitar, the many tea parties with Tarah, and letting Levi “fix” her scooter. She also enjoyed spending time with Kaylee and getting to know Khloe, her youngest great-granddaughter. Hugs and smooches were always the highlight of her day.

Mildred touched the lives of many through out her life with her ear for listening, her years of wisdom and her heart full of love and compassion. Her love for the Lord guided her in her everyday life. She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in rural Ossian.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Harry, in 1998; one brother, George Borness, two sisters and two brothers-in-law, Grace (Elmer) Lien and Signe (Bernie) Ehler.

Mildred is survived by her daughter, Shelley (Gary Fritz) LaPlant of Waterloo; three grandchildren: Jaime (Jeremy) Ruckdashel, Jeremy (Kim Gienau) LaPlant and Alicia and (Kris) Ehr; seven great-grandchildren: Zachary, Allyson, Isaiah, Levi and Tarah Ruckdashel, Kaylee LaPlant, Khloe Ehr; brother and sister-in-law, Einar (Jennie) Borness; and a brother-in-law, Ole Johnson; and several nieces and nephews. Other close family friends left to cherish her memory are Frank Kalb, Palmer and Sandy Rhoades, David (Rhoades) Prost, Paul and Margret Rhoades, Jim and Lola (Rhoades) Gibb, Wes and Nadine (Rhoades) Cain, Ricky (Rhoades) Casey and Carita Blunk.

Transcribed from a newspaper clipping submitted by Janice Sowers.

Hillside Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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