Elizabeth "Betty" Marie Johnson

Elizabeth “Betty” Marie Johnson, age 100, succumbed to complications from COVID-19 on January 14, 2021 in St Mary’s Hospital, Duluth MN.

She was born on December 17, 1920 in Minneapolis, MN. Her family soon relocated to homestead farm life in Oulu, Wisconsin where as a teen she was faced with the challenge of raising her brothers and sisters after losing their mother. After a remarkable Chicago work mission, she returned to the Northland and soon married hardworking Swede Lester Johnson, started a family and continued a rewarding farm life in Port Wing, Wisconsin where she lived until 2016.

She will be lovingly remembered for her brilliant pioneer sensibilities, her connection to Lake Superior, flowers, house plants, avid reading and letter writing. She had a special love for rock and roll music and the country classics like Waylon Jennings.

Her cooking expertise was that of legend with none of her recipes ever able to be replicated due to her magic touch and instincts in the kitchen. She also carried out the tradition of her pioneer roots with being ever conscious of her carbon footprint-hanging clothes to dry, conserving water, electricity and using a compost pile to recycle throughout her life.

Her house was home to many in time of need. She welcomed them with open arms and a loving heart.

She was our family rock and always there for us with sound advice or an ear to listen without judgement. Most of all, she was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

She is survived by her loving family: sons, Leroy Johnson, Superior WI, Dean Johnson, Washburn WI, Russell Johnson, Port Wing; daughters, Marie (James) Harris, Superior WI, Rita Johnson, Ashland WI; Granddaughters, Sheila (John Kenfield) Mezori, Sioux Falls SD, Mary (Peter) Taurinskas, St Paul, MN; grandson, Scott Howard, Janesville WI; great granddaughters, Julia and Taylor Taurinskas, St. Paul, MN; 2 brothers, Walter Carter, Duluth MN and Louis Carter, Interlochen MI; many nieces, nephews, cousins and long-term special friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester Johnson; son, Grant Johnson; brothers, George and Fred Carter; sisters, Margaret, Dolly, and Kathy.

A celebration of her wonderful life and how she touched so many will be scheduled at a later date to be determined due to pandemic concerns.

Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5 ^th Street, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com .