Lucille A. (Larson) Johnson, 99, of St. Cloud, MN, and a former longtime Crookston, MN resident, passed away on Sunday morning, August 23, 2020, at Country Manor with family by her side. She was born on October 10, 1920 in Dickey, ND to Nels and Pearl (Little) Larson. When she was very young she had trouble saying “Lucille” and it came out as “Lutie.” That is what people have called her ever since.
After graduating from Dickey High School, Lutie attended Jamestown College earning a teaching degree in 1942. She was a member of the Jimmie Janes which was a select group of college ambassadors who promoted the college and events on campus.
Lutie’s first teaching job was in Crystal, ND, where she met her future husband, Bill Johnson, who had just graduated as a Pharmacist from North Dakota State University and enlisted in the Navy to be a pilot. They were married in December 1944, and moved to Deland, FL, where Bill was teaching new enlistees to fly. He had completed two tours of duty in the South Pacific as a pilot on the USS Saratoga and was scheduled to go on a third tour when WWII ended.
After the war, they settled in La Crosse, WI, where Bill worked as a Pharmacist, and their daughter, Sandra, was born. In 1946 they moved to Crookston, MN where Bill worked for Crookston Drug. In 1948 they purchased the business which then became known as Johnson Drug. Steve and Scott were both born in Crookston
Lutie was very involved in the community. She was a church organist for Wesley United Methodist Church for over 55 years and was also Treasurer for the Crookston Civic Music League for over 50 years. She was a long-time member of the Order of Eastern Star, A.A.U.W., and the Agassiz study club. Lutie also enjoyed several bridge clubs, a book club, and a neighborhood walking group. She loved to travel as well.
Lutie was a strong supporter of the performing arts and ended up spending several decades accompanying the annual community Easter Oratorio, many high school and community musicals, and individual high school student performances for contests and concerts.
Lutie is survived by her two sons and daughter-in-law, Steve and Linda Johnson of San Antonio, Texas, and Scott Johnson of St. Cloud, MN. She is also survived by two grandsons, Andy Baatz of Albuquerque, NM, and Charles Baatz of Gainesville, FL; and a great-granddaughter, Brittany Baatz-Latimer (Derik) of Albuquerque, NM. Other surviving family members include her nieces, Susan Myers (Earle) of Fargo, ND, and Sara Bloom (Wallace) of Grand Forks, ND; and her nephew, Larry Larson of Tucson, AZ.
Lutie was preceded in death by her husband, Bill (1994), daughter, Sandra (2000), parents, Nels and Pearl, sister, LaVerne Haas, and brother, Lawrence Larson. May God bless the memory of Lucille “Lutie” Johnson.
A Memorial Service for Lutie Johnson will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, September 18, 2020, at the Oakdale Cemetery Columbarium in Crookston with The Rev. Michelle Miller, officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. that day. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial in Lutie’s name to the Wesley United Methodist Church, 701 Eickhof Blvd, Crookston, MN 56716, or the charity of your choice. You are asked to bring a lawn chair, umbrella and/or sunglasses if needed, and the wearing of a mask is highly recommended.
