Catherine Mae Johnson, 88, of Crookston, Minnesota, a devoted mother, and accomplished nurse, passed away peacefully in the early morning at Villa St. Vincent on May 31, 2024. She was born on June 27, 1935, in Four Town, Minnesota, to her late parents James and Julia (Mertz) Todroff, whose love and values guided her throughout her remarkable life.
Growing up, Catherine attended grade school in Four Town before transitioning to High School in Goodridge, MN, from which she graduated with the class of 1953. Catherine’s journey in nursing began after she graduated from the Thief River Falls School of Nursing in 1954 as an LPN. Her passion for caring for others led her to pursue further education at Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, specializing in Surgical Nursing. In 1955, Catherine moved to Crookston where she made her home and commenced her career at St. Francis Hospital.
On May 26, 1956, Catherine married Russell Johnson at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Crookston. She proudly gave birth to three children: Rodney, Cheryl, and Dwight; children which she raised while continuing her nursing career at Bethesda Hospital as a surgical nurse. While Catherine and Russell later decided to move in different directions by separating, they kept a strong bond and friendship while raising their children.
Catherine remained at Bethesda through its transition to RiverView Hospital, where she worked for 20 years before opening Kathy’s Antique Shop in downtown Crookston with her friend Ordean “O.B.” Christianson. She later returned to nursing, only this time at Glenmore Recovery Center at the Sister of St. Joseph Convent from which she retired and embarked on another endeavor with friend “O.B.” by opening a new antique shop.
Outside of her career, Catherine found joy in various hobbies and interests such as hunting, playing cards, visiting casinos, listening to country western music, and engaging in cross country skiing. She cherished these moments of leisure which brought her closer to her family and friends.
Catherine will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her warm and caring nature touched the lives of many within her community and beyond. She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and dedication that will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have been a part of her life.
In this time of mourning, we remember Catherine Mae Johnson for the incredible impact she had on those around her and the lasting memories she created. May she rest in peace knowing she made a difference in the lives of so many.
Catherine is survived by her three children: Rodney Johnson of Halstad, MN, Cheryl (Ken) Lake of Whidbey Island, WA, and Dwight Johnson of Crookston; Grandchildren: Amy Wagner, Michael Matchett, Alicia (Kyle) Pataky, Ryan Johnson, Rodney Jr. Johnson, Leah Johnson, Darby (Norman) Brennan, Emily Lake, Angela Johnson (close friend Jacob Lamb), and Tyler Jonson; as well as ten great-grandchildren; and two very special extended family members, Diane Christianson and Leanna Novacek. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Julia Todroff; her close friend, Ordean Christianson; Brothers: James and Donald Todroff, as well as an infant brother Julius Todroff; and many other relatives such as her aunts and uncles.
A memorial service will be held at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 1:00 PM, with Pastor Gretchen Enoch of Fisher Lutheran Church officiating. Visitation with the family will be held one-hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be a private family affair held at a later date.
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