Elverna A. (Medalen) Johnson

Elverna A. Johnson, age 98 of Belgrade, formerly Sunburg, died Friday April 24, 2020 at the Belgrade Nursing Home. A celebration of Elverna's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at Chippewa Falls Lutheran Church in Terrace, with Pastor Brenda Boogren officiating. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions in place when Elverna passed, a private graveside service was previously held. Interment was in Chippewa Falls Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood. 

Elverna Amy Johnson, the oldest of three daughters born to Alfred and Elvina (Peterson) Medalen was born March 19, 1922 in Gilchrist Township, Pope County, Minnesota. Elverna grew up near Scandinavian Lake where she attended country school. She graduated from Glenwood High School in 1940 and went on to attend Normal Training.

On August 22, 1945 Elverna was united in marriage to Gerhard Johnson. The couple made their home on Gerhard’s home farm in Terrace until 1957 when they moved to Sunburg. This marriage was blessed with one son, Vernon. Elverna taught elementary education in country school in rural Pope County and later Sunburg and Kerkhoven elementary. Elverna and Gerhard enjoyed roller skating, ice skating, traveling, and dancing. Elverna and Gerhard shared 60 years of marriage before Gerhard died on December 4, 2005.

Elverna loved teaching and kept in touch with many of her former students. She collected dolls and enjoyed flowers. Last April when Elverna needed help with her daily care she moved into the Belgrade Nursing Home. She passed away there on April 24, 2020.

She is survived by her grandson, Roy, his wife Huong and their son, Noah Johnson of Saltillo, MS; nieces and nephews, Orville Rudningen, Sharon White, John Welte, and Debora Skelton; friends and caregivers, Richard Norby and Delbert Piottier, other relatives and friends.

Elverna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerhard; son, Vernon Johnson (in 2018); and her two sisters, Arlene Rudningen and Janice Welte.

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