Constance E. "Connie" Johnson • 1927 - 2011

Constance E. “Connie” Johnson, 83, Minot, formerly of Berthold, died Thursday, January 13, 2011 in her home, surrounded by loving family.

Constance Estelle “Connie” Taylor was born January 15, 1927 in Berthold, ND to Leslie and Violet (Hornstra) Taylor.  She was raised and educated in Berthold and graduated as Valedictorian from Berthold High School in 1944.  Connie was an accomplished pianist and played piano throughout her life.  During her school years, she played for many church and school functions. After high school, she worked as the switchboard operator at the Berthold Telephone Co. 

She married Henry Eiene in 1946, they were later divorced.  Connie married George Depute in 1957, George died in a construction accident in 1962. 

On May 8, 1964, Connie married Marlyn Johnson; they lived together for 41 years in the family home she grew up in.  They raised their children and gave them a wonderful love of life, nature and people; it was a busy household, with seven children.  Connie was a great cook, seamstress, avid gardener and friend. The family home was always a bee hive of activity with an open door and hot meal for anyone who happened by, including family, friends and an occasional stranger.   Holidays and special occasions were legendary at their home with a large extended family and friends always there to help celebrate.

Connie was the smiling face and warm welcome at Bud's Food Market where she worked for many years until it closed and she was ready to settle into retirement.    She served on the City Council in Berthold for a number of years and was instrumental in publishing the 75th Anniversary Book for Berthold's Diamond Jubilee celebration. 

She spent her later years enjoying her grandchildren and great grandchildren and spending time with her family, neighbors and many friends. She kept busy in her gardens with her beloved pets by her side. Connie and Marlyn were the recipients of the Yard of the Week award many times. Even the birds knew a good home and Connie always had her binoculars and bird book at the ready for the occasional rare bird sighting.    She loved sewing quilts and enjoyed her quilting group at Zion Lutheran, she also made beautiful Teddy Bears.  Music was always very important to her and she loved playing her piano and singing with her family.    She and Maryln spent many years singing in the choir at Zion Lutheran.   

Connie is survived by her children, Cindy (Don) Torgrimson, Burlington, ND, Darcy Watts, Grand Forks, ND, Jeffrey  Johnson, Minot, ND, Jill (Jerry) Aarseth, Minot, Jon Johnson, Berthold, ND, Jamie Johnson, Minneapolis, MN and Jodi Johnson, Minot, daughter-in-law, Lori Johnson, Stanley, ND, grandchildren, Linus (Lynea) Kalenze Jr., Chaska, MN,  Craig Kalenze, Seattle, Wa, Rebecca Kalenze, Grand Forks, Tosha Warnke, Minot, Jessica (Boyd) Rakness, Burlington,  Scott  (Sarah) Torgrimson, Burlington, ND,  Lindsay Aarseth, Bismarck, Courtney Aarseth, Minot, Mandi (Dustin) Tarasen, Minot, Heather and Zachary Johnson, Stanley, Danielle Johnson, Minot, Nathan and Taylor Johnson, Minot;   15 great-grandchildren; sisters, Linda (Daniel) Depute, Berthold and Shirley Haider, Minot; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents Leslie and Violet Taylor, husbands, George Depute and  Marlyn Johnson, and brothers Richard and Romayne (Les) Taylor.

Funeral:  Monday, January 17, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Berthold, ND. 

Visitation and prayer service:  Visitation will be Sunday, from noon to 4:00 with a prayer service at 4:00, all at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot, ND.

Burial:  Wildrose Cemetery, Berthold, ND in the spring.

Memorials are preferred to Zion Lutheran Church Sunday School in Berthold, ND

Officiants: Rev. Todd Olson and Steve Helfrich

Music
Klinton Hanson, soloist: “The Holy City” and “His Eye Is On The Sparrow”

Congregational Hymns
Processional, “In The Garden”
“Lord’s Prayer”
Recessional, “How Great Thou Art”
Julie Deaver, organist

Honorary Bearers: Connie’s family and friends

Active Bearers: Les Taylor, Mickey Depute, Melissa Depute, Mary Krueger,  Spencer Brown

Following the service everyone is invited to join the family for lunch and fellowship in the church fellowship hall.

Our family would like to thank everyone for the many acts of kindness shown during this difficult time.  Your thoughts and prayers are deeply appreciated and will never be forgotten.  May God bless the memory of Connie Johnson!

To sign the online guest register for Connie
To view the online guest register for Connie

To view the inside of Connie's folder
To view the outside of Connie's folder

Back to Obituaries