Johnson, Lila (Grindeland) 1926 - 2021

JOHNSON, GRINDELAND, JACOBSON, SAILORS

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 11/5/2021 at 15:04:59

Lila Johnson passed away at Legacy Garden in Pender, Neb., on Oct. 30, 2021, from complications with dementia. She was 95 years old.

Lila was born on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 1926, on a farmstead near Decorah, Iowa, to Walter and Gladys (Jacobson) Grindeland. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Decorah where Lila attended school, graduating in 1943. At the age of 16, she began working for Northwestern Bell Telephone as a switchboard operator.

After World War II, Lila married Dale Johnson in 1946 at the First Lutheran Church in Decorah. To this union three children were born: Kristie, Ronnie, and Douglas. The family lived in West Union, Iowa, until moving to Lemars, Iowa, in 1960. Dale became the principal at Lemars Junior High School, and Lila worked in Sioux City for Northwestern Bell. She retired after 31 years of service as regional manager and group chief operator. Dale and Lila then moved to Heber Springs, Arkansas, building their retirement home overlooking Greers Ferry Lake. They were both active members of Hope Lutheran Church.

Lila received many awards and recognition for her volunteer work and leadership skills: Governor’s Volunteer Excellence award signed by Bill Clinton, Hawkeye Chapter Pioneer of the Year, Claiborne County Cares Manager, and Advisor for Junior Achievement in Sioux City, Iowa.

Lila was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dale (2004), her two sons Ronnie and Douglas, brother Merlin and sister Esther.

She is survived by her daughter Kristie (Rod) Sailors of Lyons, Nebraska, six grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

A special thank you goes to the staff at Legacy Garden in Pender and the Hospice angels from Asera. Private family services will be held at a later date.

Memorials are to the family to be designated.

Pelan Funeral Services of Lyon is assisting the family.

Source: Decorah Newspapers Nov. 2, 2021