Orphelia "Toots" Ethel Johnson, 84, of Akeley died Friday, Jan. 18, 2008 at her home in Akeley.
She was born April 29, 1923 at Bird Island to Fred and Marie (Prokish) Meier. At an early age, she moved with her family to the Park Rapids area near Twin Lakes. Her family moved to Akeley and she graduated from Akeley High School.
She married Carl K. Johnson July 3, 1941 at Chiloquin, OR. They lived in California. When he began serving in the military during World War II, she returned to Akeley and stayed until the end of the war. During their married life, they resided in Oregon, California, Minneapolis and numerous other locations. She worked at Honeywell for many years, and also worked as a real estate agent for 44 years. After he retired in 1986, they moved to Akeley. She actively sold real estate until recently.
She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church of Akeley, a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary and member of the Minnesota Realtors Association. She served as mayor of Akeley and served many terms on the Akeley Council.
Surviving are her three sons, Stan (Dede) of Phoenix; Jim of Akeley and Bob (Kathy) of Rosemont; two brothers, Bud of Oregon and Mickey of California; three grandchildren, three great- grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
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She was preceded in death by her husband, sister, Dolly, and two brothers, Jerry and Jack.
Honorary casket bearers: her grandchildren, Scott, Wendy and Angela, and great-grandchildren.
Memorial service: 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Akeley. Rev. Harvey Kietzman will officiate. Christie Semmler will be the organist. Congregational Hymns will be "How Great Thou Art," "Rock of Ages" and "Amazing Grace."
Inurnment: in the spring at the Akeley City Cemetery.
