Dorothy Johnson

Dorothy Johnson, formerly of Milan, died Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at Prairie Home Hospice in Marshall at the age of 98.

Memorial services will be held Friday, April 4, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Kviteseid Lutheran Church in Milan. Rev. Kristine Isder will officiate. Burial will be later this fall at Kviteseid Lutheran Cemetery.

Dorothy Irene Dove was born on December 15, 1926 in Milan, MN to Melvin Alfred Dove and Ida Bertine Landvik Dove. She was baptized and confirmed at Kviteseid Lutheran Church in Milan. She graduated from Milan High School in 1944 where she loved playing the clarinet and being the majorette in Milan’s first high school band. She continued her education at the University of Minnesota, obtaining her teaching certificate. Dorothy taught science in Morris for one year. She was married to her high school sweetheart, Thomas Wesley Johnson, on June 6, 1948 at Kviteseid Lutheran Church. They made their home on the family farm near Milan where they raised their three sons. Dorothy taught science, chemistry, and physical education at Milan High School for 17 years. She was the coach for the girls’ track team and advised the cheerleaders.

 Dorothy was very involved in church and community activities. She assisted in starting Milan’s Syttende Mai Celebration. She also facilitated the construction of the bike path from Milan to Lac Qui Parle Lake. She was one of the founding members of the famed Monte/Milan Club. She loved the outdoors from an early age and especially relished time at her parents’ lake cabin. She started canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in 1947 and continued later with her young family. She enjoyed organizing family camping trips to Minnesota state parks and national parks. An avid golfer, she played in many tournaments and won one at age 93.

 In 1993, Tom and Dorothy moved to Lake Minnewaska near Starbuck, MN, living there during summers and spending winters in Arizona. They thoroughly enjoyed their retirement. Dorothy developed a passion for rosemaling, golf, wood carving, oil painting, and china painting. She received many awards. Together, Tom and Dorothy enjoyed square dancing, playing Bridge, and traveling the world. Dorothy was proud of her Norwegian heritage and enjoyed making Scandinavian delicacies. She also wrote a small book titled GROWING UP IN MILAN. She especially loved being with her family. She lit up whenever she was with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially playing Minnesota Rummy.

Dorothy passed away peacefully on Feb. 25, 2025 at the Lockwood Prairie Home Hospice House in Marshall, MN at the age of 98. She was preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, Thomas Johnson, brothers Mel Jr., John, and sister Jean. She will be greatly missed by her sister Ruth of Spearfish, SD; three sons: Doug (Kathy) of Logan, UT; Dale (Connie) of Park Rapids, MN; Paul (Lois) of Marshall, MN; 9 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. Blessed be her memory.