The funeral service for Grace E. Johnson, of Albert Lea, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 17, at Salem Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. Jay Dahlvang will officiate. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Bonnerup Funeral Service is assisting the family with arrangements.

Grace died on Monday, May 13, 2002, at Thorne Crest South in Albert Lea. She was 96.

She was born to August and Emily (Jacobson) Johnson on Feb. 4, 1906, in Manchester Township. She attended grade school in District #55, and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1923. Grace attended Mankato Teachers College for two years and received a teaching certificate in 1925. She taught school in rural schools, Ellendale, Hollandale, Alden, Aitkin, International Falls, and St. Paul, teaching 48 years in all. During her early years of teaching, she earned her next three years of college by going to summer school, teaching college courses, and late afternoon classes. She has traveled extensively in North America and Europe.

She was a member of Salem Lutheran Church. She taught Sunday School,

Vacation Bible School classes, ARC Bible Classes, and confirmation classes. She has held all offices in the WELCA. Since retiring in 1973, she was an active volunteer at St. John’s Lutheran Home and Naeve Hospital.

She leaves to mourn her death two nephews: David R. Johnson and his wife Annette of Albert Lea, and Steven R. Johnson and his wife Linda of Albert Lea; one niece, Mary Jo Engen of Albert Lea; also grand-nieces: Julie, Jill, Stacy and Melissa; grand-nephews: Matt, Anthony, Shane and Jason; and many cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers: Ray A. Johnson and Theodore R. Johnson.

Memorials are preferred to the Loaves and Fishes Program.