Irene Joyce Johnson

Irene Joyce (Berglund) Johnson passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Alomere Health at 94 years old. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Cornerstone Church with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Irene's family and can be mailed to the funeral home.

Irene Joyce (Berglund) Johnson, a beloved educator, devoted mother, and cherished member of her community, passed away on December 10, 2025, at Alomere Health at 94 years old. She was born on April 27, 1931, in Fosston, Minnesota, to George and Agnes (Evenson) Berglund. Growing up on a farm with seven siblings, Irene developed an impressive array of skills, from milking cows to gathering eggs, which instilled in her a strong work ethic and deep-rooted values of family and community.

Her educational journey began with a foundational year at Bethel University, where she embarked on her aspiration to become a teacher. She later transferred to Bemidji State University to join two of her siblings, solidifying her commitment to education. Her teaching career spanned numerous years, during which she passionately taught sixth grade. Starting her career in Staples, Minnesota, she taught in Duluth and Chisholm before settling in Alexandria, where she dedicated many years of service at Lincoln Elementary and Central School. Irene’s contributions to education extended beyond the classroom as she later served as a church secretary before her retirement.

On August 15, 1959, Irene married Orrin Johnson, and together they built a loving home. They proudly welcomed two children, Stephanie and Greg, into their lives. Irene was a very attentive mother, faithfully attending every single one of Greg's baseball games, demonstrating her unwavering support and dedication to her children.

Irene and Orrin enjoyed traveling together, making memories on trips to Cancun, Cayman Beach, and Cozumel. One of the simple joys later in her life was taking rides with her son and daughter-in-law to the Little Dipper in Parkers Prairie, a testament to her appreciation for family moments.

A woman of many talents and passions, Irene was known for her hospitality and warmth, always putting others before herself.A devout member of the First Baptist Church, she was active in church activities, singing in the church choir with Sidney Carlson as the director, singing in lady's trio groups, participating in Bible studies, volunteering as a server, and even playing the piano for church and Kiwanis events. Additionally, she helped create a cookbook for her church, showcasing her love for cooking, which was complemented by her enjoyment of shows like “Wheel of Fortune,” “Rachael Ray,” and “Jeopardy.” A true animal lover, she found joy in the companionship of her pets, especially her cherished cat, Mickey.

Throughout her life, Irene lived in the home she and Orrin built until moving to Nelson Gables in August of this year. Remarkably, she continued to drive herself up until the age of 93, a testament to her spirited independence.

Irene Joyce Johnson leaves behind a legacy of love, teaching, and kindness that will be remembered by all who knew her. She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie King; son, Greg (Danielle) Johnson; four grandchildren, Forrester (Katie) Johnson, Ascher Johnson, Mackensey (Thomas) Jensen-King, and Geoffrey King; brother-in-law, Bob King; and many beloved nieces and nephews.Irene is preceded in death by her husband, Orrin; brothers, Stanley (Arline) Berglund, Eugene Berglund, and Kent Berglund; sisters, Stella Berglund, Eunice King, Thelma (Bob) Bromander, and Gladys (Harvey) Nelson.

Please click the video below to watch an interview of Irene Johnson by Echo Press recorded in 2021. "Friendly faces in familiar places: Irene Johnson"