Eleanor J. Johnson

A memorial service celebrating the life of Eleanor Josephine Johnson, 83, of St. Cloud, Minn., formerly of Esko and Sebeka, Minn., will be held at noon Saturday, Oct. 20, at the Miller-Carlin Funeral Home in St. Cloud. A private burial will take place at a later date. Eleanor died early Monday morning on Oct. 8, 2012, and joined the love of her life, Harvey. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Arrangements are being made with the Miller-Carlin Funeral Home in St. Cloud.

Eleanor was born in Wright, Minn., on May 21, 1929, to Carl and Selma (Hultgren) Peterson. She grew up the only girl among four boys and, shortly after graduating high school, on June 8, 1947, she married Harvey Johnson. Together they raised five children in central Minnesota with Eleanor staying at home until the youngest was in school. She worked for 20-plus years as a nurse's aide before retiring. Eleanor enjoyed many hobbies such as sewing, knitting and cooking. Described as being "inseparable" from her beloved husband, they made wine, traveled and camped in their RV. She and Harvey were among the charter members of the Headwaters Chapter-Good Sam RV Club. Eleanor is known for being the family shutterbug, always behind the camera capturing every memory. She has left a treasure in photos for her loved ones.

Eleanor is survived by her children, Elaine (Dennis) Carlson of Sebeka, Ronald Johnson (Leona) of Cloquet, Debra (Dave) Brinkman of St. Cloud, Thomas Johnson (Michele) of Hermantown, and Cynthia (Michael) Oja of Watertown, S.D.; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and friends.

She was preceded by her husband of 65 years, Harvey, in June 2012; parents, Carl and Selma Peterson; brothers, Walter Peterson, Arthur Peterson, Edward Peterson and Edgar Peterson; and grandson Christopher Oja in 1997.

October 25, 2012 ~ Pine Journal, Cloquet, Minn.

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