Julia (Berkness/Birkeness) Johnson (1871-1937)

BERKNESS, BIRKENESS, JOHNSON, OLSON, OWENSON, BOYD

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 8/21/2024 at 12:27:47

From Story City Herald January 14, 1937 (page 1)

MRS. CHRIS A. JOHNSON DIED WEDNESDAY

Mrs. Chris A. Johnson, nee Julia Birkeness, was born near Morris, Ill., March 17, 1871, and passed away at her home two miles west of Randall Jan. 6, 1937, at the age of 65 years, 9 months and 18 days. Her parents died when she was 7 years old; she was then cared for by relatives until she reached maturity.

July 5, 1889, at Tacoma, Wash., she was united in marriage to Chris A. Johnson, also of Morris, Ill. The family then spent two years on a farm near Morris, Ill.

In February, 1905, they moved to Iowa, where they purchased a farm two miles west of Randall. On this farm Mrs. Johnson spent the rest of her life. Mrs. Johnson became the mother of six children: Mrs. Pearl Olson of Randall, Mrs. Myrtle Owenson of Story City, Rev. Clarence Johnson of Miles City, Mont., Herbert of Webster City and Milford of Randall. Preceding her in death were her daughter, Mrs. Sarah Boyd, who died in 1919, and her husband who passed away Aug. 6, 1936. She also leaves 22 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, a sister and two brothers.

In 1908 the family joined the Elim Lutheran church at Randall in which Mrs. Johnson was an active member for many years. She was one of the leaders in the Okland aid society. In this society she was a faithful worker and donor as long as her health permitted.

Three years ago she suffered a stroke from which she never recovered. Since then she has been more or less helpless, but she did bear her burden bravely and cheerfully and what was best of all, she put her trust in her Lord.

She was buried from the Elim church at Randall Monday, Jan. 11 at 2 o'clock, where her pastor, Rev. G. O. Paulsrud, officiated. The pallbearers were her three sons, a son-in-law and two grandsons. At the service the mixed quartet, Mrs. P. G. Pederson, Mrs. Clarence Larson, J. H. Brekken and S. M. Teigland, sang two songs. She was laid to rest beside her husband at Mt. Olive cemetery at Randall. $17.50 was given in her memory to missions and parochial school. --Cor.