Louise Johnson (nee Westerbur) passed away peacefully Friday, Oct. 18, 2019, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul surrounded by loving family and dedicated caregivers.

Louise was born Dec. 5, 1932, to Johanna and Carl Westerbur in Magnolia Township and grew up on a farm near Ihlen. She graduated from nearby Jasper High School and later from General Beadle Teacher’s College, after which she began her 20-year career as a kindergarten teacher.  In 1952 she married her high school sweetheart, Lawrence Leighton Johnson, and together they raised three children in Holland and Benson. They also lived in Cresco, Iowa, and spent their retirement in Albert Lea. Following Leighton’s death in 2010, Louise spent her final years living with family and as a resident of Episcopal Homes in St. Paul.

Louise is lovingly remembered by her two children, Jay Johnson (Diane Landis) of St. Paul and Kimberly Johnson (Torey Nederloe) of Albert Lea; three grandchildren, Jessica Ecklund (James) of Seal Beach, California, Megan Grothe of Rogers and Milanda Landis of Minneapolis; and two great-grandchildren, Aiden Boyde and Isabella Ecklund. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leighton; her daughter, Kristi; her parents; and nine brothers and sisters.