Norma Josephine Johnson

Norma Josephine Johnson, age 96, of Baltic, passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, in Omaha. Memorial services will begin at 10:30 AM Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Baltic Lutheran Church. Interment will follow in the St. Olaf Cemetery, Baltic. A time to greet the family will begin one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be directed to Baltic Lutheran Church.

Norma was born May 23, 1928, to Carrie and John Brown on the family farm near Sherman, South Dakota. Her childhood home was filled with music with all 7 children singing at church, school and programs around the county. Like her siblings Norma was an excellent singer. (Her dad and mother, who was a church organist and piano teacher, joined in at home.)

 Norma attended Crothers country school and Thompson country school, walking three miles with her sister and brother until their dad bought a horse and covered wagon for them to drive. Her family moved to Baltic where she finished her education. She graduated from Baltic high school in 1946. She was homecoming queen and salutatorian. 

 The close friendships she made in grade school and high school remained with her throughout her life, and other good friendships were formed along the way. Her brothers and sisters continued to be among her most cherished lifelong friends. 

 On December 17, 1950, Norma married Edwin (Eddie) Johnson. Norma, along with Eddie, devoted her life to raising their children. Norma and Eddie enthusiastically attended every game, performance, and recital. In doing so they became active members and leaders in the community. 

 At Baltic Lutheran Church, Norma was a longtime member of the choir, the ALCW women’s group, Bible studies, a Sunday school teacher, and performed countless other services whenever needed. She was always ready to bring a tasty dish or dessert from her kitchen. 

 As a mom, Norma always put the needs of her family before her own. Her life was a model of how to care about, and care for, others. Later, the depth of her love for her grandkids and great grands was felt by them and returned to her.

 After Eddie’s death in 1985, Norma enjoyed trips to Norway, Hawaii and New York City, with many trips to visit her kids in Omaha, California, Washington DC, Rhode Island, Georgia, and New Jersey.

 Norma was an avid sports fan. What began with the kids’ games grew into a love of college and pro teams, most notably the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Green Bay Packers. But she could also watch just about any team with equal interest, even if it was only a video replay!

 Grateful for having shared her life are her children: Jackie Jenkins (Tom), Bob Johnson (Lei), Greg Johnson, Kathy LaFever (Dan); grandchildren, Erin Wessling (Nick), Kari Mansour (Mike), Paige Bowder (Ryan), Jessie Jenkins Beecham (John), Travis LaFever (Nancy), and Danielle LaFever; great grandchildren, Corinne, Ruth, Eddie, Josephine, Bridget, Augie, Eva, Grace, Tommy, Fiona, Ronan, Samantha, Callie and Jace. Siblings, Helen Rackerby, and Arne and Doris Brown. And many nephews and nieces whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her husband and her siblings, Ellsworth, Sylvia, Gerhard and Clifford. 

 Though we feel her absence deeply, we find comfort knowing she is reunited in heaven with her beloved Eddie, and her legacy of unconditional love, strength and resilience will inspire us forever.