Della M. Johnson

Thursday, December 20, 1945
Date of Death:
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Age:
66 years old
Della M. Johnson
Della Marie Johnson, age 66 of Rochester, passed away of natural causes on April 19, 2012 at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Della was born on December 20, 1945 in Gettysburg, SD. As a young child, she moved to Marshall, MN and graduated from Cottonwood High School in 1965. On January 9, 1971, she married Michael Johnson in Hampton, IA. She worked at various places, notably Bilotti’s Restaurant, where she met Michael, the love of her life. She also worked in food and beverage management at the Rochester Golf and Country Club. She was a master-gardener and worked as a silk floral designer for Michael’s Crafts. Della loved horses, painting, books, and adventure. She was the “rock” that kept her family strong, and the “glue” that held them together.
Survivors include her husband of 41 years, Mike; her mother, Muriel Nauman of Kalispell, Montana; two daughters, Ronnie (Bill) Robinson of Lloyd, Montana, and Tracie (Darrel) Graham of Whitefish, Montana; a son, Michael (Windy) Johnson of Columbia Falls, Montana; Grandchildren, Tabi, Dillon, Syrcie, Ayslin, Seth, Hollyn, and Michelle; three brothers, Barry (Kay) Nauman of Marshall, MN, Brad (Diane) Nauman of Kalispell, Montana, and Brian Nauman of Kalispell; two sisters, Lillian Vandal of Rochester, and Nettie (Wally) Bond of Elma, Washington.
She is preceded in death by her father, Eddie, and a grandson, Andrew.
A memorial service for Della will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 5:00PM to 8:00PM on Monday, April 23, 2012 at the River Park Chapel and one hour prior to the memorial service.
Memorials are preferred to the Mayo Eugenio Litta Children’s Hospital.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Della M. Johnson has received the following condolences.
Mike, We were so sorry to hear of Della's passing. We did not know her well, but I remember meeting Della for the first time when you were just a teen-ager at a family reunion in Mikana. I know you were married for a long time. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Dear Mike and family,
Very sorry to get the news of Della passing away. I hope you find strength to help you through these difficult times. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Bob Damon
Mike,
We are sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Don and Lynn
Dear Mike.
Sorry of your loss. Do hope you are doing Ok. Tell everyone Hello. She sound like a great lady.
Love Carol
My condolences to Della's family. May she rest in peace.
What a legacy Della leaves behind! I first met Della in June of 1988, when I had an interview with her for a wait staff position at Rochester Golf & Country Club. I must have made an impression, because she immediately called to say she wanted to hire me, before I even got home. When I walked in the door, my mom told me how excited Della was that I looked and acted so professional. I can look back now and say that it was Della that made me the professional I came to be, with her patience and when necessary, her candid speaking! She taught me so much, and I am happy to say, that on my first day of work, she assigned me to work with Scott Lazer, who became the love of my life almost 21 years ago!
I have so many fond memories of my co-workers at RGCC. On more than one occasion, Della's son Mike, who worked as a bus person at the time, came in to work without his black socks. He thought he could just take a black marker he found in the break room, and color his ankles black to make it look like he was wearing socks. It wasn't long before mom caught on and busted him. She certainly didn't mind making an example of her own son, right in front of everyone! What an awesome person, and what a sense of humor she had! She will be missed by, and affected so many people.
My husband Scott and I just want to say to Della's loved ones - we know your lives are diminished by the loss of Della. We hope that in time, your grief will become peace. It was such a privelege to have known and worked with Della!
Della,We met 27 years ago while I was 17 yrs.There is always good memories while working with you at the RGCC. I will never forget your big heart and infectious smile.You didn't take crap from anyone but yet was always there to talk to and offer advice. You always had the right words.I was just getting out of BMX when Mike was getting involved with the sport.I remember how proud you were of Mike after the races.As with many people we lost contact over the years.But that one time a year or so we would run into each other,you always made our day and brought back fond memories. If you only knew how many lives you impacted.At the RGCC, you were everyone's mother.You will always be number 1 in our hearts and will NEVER be forgotten.Mike,Mike and Tracy.We are so sorry for your loss.You were all blessed to have Della in your life. Marc,Dana,and Aiden
Della you were a wonderful woman and so kind to all of our family. (the Schultz family) I know you and Dick will have the most fantastic gardens in heaven! Mike and all you were blessed to have Della and we thank you for sharing her with all of us. Our love and prayers are with you.
Dear Mike,
Sorry for your loss. Peace and comfort to you and your family.
Blessings,
Lisa Damon
So sorry to hear of Della's death but just wanted to express our sympathy.We met on 10th St NW when you purchased the house next to ours. Mike you and Della were very quite,kind and struggeling to raise your family and hope we helped you in your journey. Knew Della really loved plants and flowers as we drove by many time and saw her gardens. I bet she loved having the grandchildren around and so glad she got to enjoy that.Sorry Mike as the next couple months will be very hard and lonely but you can do it Della loved and taught you all well.We are so glad the house worked out for you. Thinking of your Family.Donna and Bill
I am so sorry to hear of Della's passing, she was a wonderful lady and a great person to work with!!!! Della will be greatly missed!
I am so sorry for your loss. May "the God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3,4) comfort and soothe your heart. His promises, found in the Holy Scriptures, can offer much hope. It assures us at John 5:28,29 that our loved ones will be remembered and brought back to life in the resurrection. Please allow God's Word to strengthen you and help you to endure this most difficult time.
Della,
I will miss you forever. Thank you for your infectious smile, your funny laugh, the sparkle in your eye every time I bumped into you and Mike. Thanks for all of fun we had traveling across the northern plains and into the mountains. Thanks for putting up with me, Junior and Seniors shenanigans. From the attack of the killer bees to my 16th Birthday Party. How you did it we will never know. You kept us all in line and did it while keeping us all laughing. Thanks for being like a mother to me. Thanks for your advice, you may not think I was listening but I always was.
I love you and will miss you forever,
That "Larsen Kid"
P.S. My Dog is fine.