Arlene Marie Johnson, 90, of Crookston, MN, passed away in Benedictine Living Community Crookston on Sunday afternoon, July 23, 2023, with family at her side.
Arlene was born on April 18, 1933 in Crookston to William and Myrtle (Lindberg) Mulcahy. Her education began in the one-room Ranch Country School, followed by high school at Crookston’s Central High and graduation with the Class of 1951. In 1963, Arlene married Loy Theodore “Whiskers” Johnson. Coupled with an earlier marriage, Arlene had 6 children.
In 1971 Donald Eli “Don” Page became a big part of Arlene’s life as her companion for the next 43 years. The couple first lived in Cooperstown, ND, where they owned and operated The Coachman Inn. They later returned to the area and settled at Maple Lake, near Mentor, MN with many winters spent traveling in their motorhome to warmer states and seeing more of the country. Arlene’s favorite pastimes included cooking, gardening, and quilt making. Sadly, Don passed away on April 20, 2014.
Arlene is survived by her 6 children: Connie and Harry Helenihi of Crookston, MN and Jurupa Valley, CA, Vickie and Joe Lovecchio of El Dorado, CA, Rick and Lynn Oakes and Pennie and Jim Salveson of Crookston, Randy Oakes of Rochester, MN, and Larry Johnson of Crookston.
14 grandchildren: Yolanda Crowley, Travis and Ethan Helenihi, Chris Nelson, Nicole Garcia, Justin Brekken, Leah Oakes, Jeremy, Michael, Devin, and Jenna Salveson, Tia and Amy Johnson, and 12 great-grandchildren: Brenda Jones, and Lauren Garcia; Kolton Crocker, Keaton and Ava Oakes, Kaylynn and Helainna Bartrum, Lucas, Owen, and Caleb Salveson, and Emilia and Thiago Dalton; and 2 great-great grandchildren, Hayden and Ariella Jones.
She also leaves 4 siblings: Pat Charron of New Brighton, MN, Donald (Linda) Mulcahy of Henderson, TN, Duane (Shirley) Mulcahy of Blaine, MN, and Bev (Ben) Kiewel of Sun City West, AZ; a brother-in-law, Allen Trudeau of Gentilly, MN; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, William and Myrtle Mulcahy; beloved longtime companion, Don Page; former husband, Loy Johnson; grandson, Chad Oakes; sister, Diane Trudeau; brother-in-law, LeRoy Charron; and sister-in-law, Dottie Mulcahy. Blessed be the memory of Arlene Marie Johnson.
A memorial service for Arlene Johnson will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 28, 2023, in the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home, Crookston, with Celebrant Trey Everett, officiating. Visitation with the family will be for one hour prior to the service. The burial will take place in the Oakdale Cemetery, Crookston.
The funeral will be live-streamed by going to Arlene’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com and clicking on the prompt to view. Messages of condolence may be offered by going to the funeral home website.
