Arlene Ruth Johnson

Arlene Ruth Johnson was born on January 18, 1933, in St. Paul, Minnesota the daughter of Arnold and Signe (Hansen) Linde. Arlene was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in St. Paul. She attended Van Buren grade school through the 8th grade and graduated from Harding High School in 1950. Her first job was at Waldorf Paper Company. She then attended Comptometer Business School for three months and started working for 3M in their payroll department for the next five years.

Arlene was united in marriage to Leland Curtis Johnson at First Lutheran Church in St. Paul, MN on December 26, 1953. In 1957, the family moved to Alexandria and in 1959 the Johnsons built their first home in Victoria Heights where they raised their four sons. The family became members of Calvary Lutheran Church.

Calvary Lutheran meant a lot to Arlene and she was active there for many years. She was also a Cub Scout leader and a volunteer at Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria. For a short period of time Arlene worked at Hardees in Alexandria.

In 1986 the Johnsons had to move to Fargo due to Lee’s work. During this time Arlene volunteered at the Dakota Hospital in Fargo. They lived there for 6 ½ years before returning to Alexandria where they retired and lived at Lakeridge Townhomes. The couple then moved to Nelson Gables this past November. Arlene loved to read and spend time at the family cabin on Red Rock Lake. These were treasured memories for all that won’t be forgotten.

Arlene died on Sunday, April 27, 2025. She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Leland “Lee”; sons: David & wife, Cathie; Neal & wife, Julie; Brian & wife, Jill; Dean; 10 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and sister, Romelle Maloney.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Arnold Linde Jr; sister, Bernice Linell.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, 10:00 – 11:00 AM at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria with a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Kinkead Cemetery.