Jean Marie Johnson passed away peacefully at the Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND on May 29, 2024 at the age of 83 with her devoted husband, Jerry, by her side. Jean was born on October 14, 1940 in Roseau, MN to Nels and Sophie (Vistad) Kofstad.
Jean and her siblings attended primary elementary school in Warroad, MN for a couple years and finished her elementary and high school years in Roseau. Growing up in Roseau, Jean babysat for various local families and later worked as a CNA at the Roseau Hospital/Care Center after graduating from Roseau High School in 1959. Jean met Jerry at the historical drive-in in Roseau, what is now called Earl’s, where Jean’s heart found its counterpart in Jerry Johnson, driving his ‘59 Ford. Their marriage is a testament to enduring love, celebrated in a quaint ceremony at the Moe Lutheran Church in Roseau on April 30, 1966, officiated by Reverend Erling Huglen. After they married, they lived in Baudette, MN for 3 years and then moved to Warroad until present day. Together Jean and Jerry raised two boys: Jim and Jeff. Jean worked as a “stay-at-home mom” and held various part-time jobs as “her boys” were her #1 priority while they were still at home as children attending school, until after high school graduation, then worked full-time at Marvin Windows for x number of years. After Jerry and Jean’s retirement, they went “snowbirding” in the South for many winters down to Florida and Arizona, always welcoming family/friends to come and visit them.
Jean was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, and grandmother who was always there when we needed her the most, offering support, wisdom, and love in abundance. A friend to many, Jean was a cherished member of her community in Warroad, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and compassion. Jean’s greatest joy in life was her family. Her main focus in life was being the best mother that she could be. Jean was a devoted mother to Jim and Jeff, her pride and joy. That same pride and joy was also evident with her grandchildren. Jean was an integral part of all her grandchildren’s lives.
An avid gardener, master of crossword puzzles and word finds, Jean also graced many with her talent as a baker and knitter. Her famous Christmas goodies, banana bread, lefse, flatbread, and lovely knitted or crocheted blankets and dishcloths were highlights of a gift giving for family, friends, and coffee groups. Jean was a kind-hearted, giving woman who was always thinking of others before herself. You could find her daily in her chair reading her daily devotions every morning at home with her coffee while reading the Bible and Our Daily Bread.
Jean was a present member and previous member of Ladies Aid, choir, women’s bible study, and was a deaconess and Sunday school teacher at the Union Congregational Church in Warroad. In addition, Jean was a previous school PTO member and enjoyed various coffee groups with a close group of women in Warroad as well as dabbled in golf with them in her younger years. Jean is survived by her husband, Jerry Johnson of Warroad; children, Jim Johnson of Roosevelt, MN and Jeff (Patti) Johnson of Warroad; grandchildren, William, Sophie, Emily, Sullivan, and Stella; siblings, Donnie (Elna) Kofstad of Roseau; a niece and a few nephews. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Sophie and Nels Kofstad; sisters, Marlet (Ted) Kofstad-Jasicki and Baby Ione, and a nephew. The family wishes to note that Jean lived a happy and full life for 83 years, blessed be her memory.
To commemorate Jean’s incredible journey and to celebrate the love she spread, a memorial service will be held in her honor on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Union Congregational Church in Warroad with a visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Interment following the service will be at the Riverside Cemetery. We invite all who knew her to join us in remembering a truly remarkable woman.
Last modified: 06/04/2024
