Minerva A. Johnson

Minerva A. Johnson, of Brule, passed away on February 18, 2022, at the age of 94. She had been a resident of Aspen Health Facility (formerly Middle River Healthcare) for the past 4 ½ years. She was born June 9, 1927, at the Ruska home place in Brule, the daughter of Sulu and Ailie (nee Ruska) Johnson. Minerva’s parents divorced after a few years, and Minerva ended up living with her grandparents Emil and Wendla Ruska.

Minerva is survived by her children Penelope (James) Hawkins, St. Petersburg, FL; Christine (Robert) Lane, Amherst, WI; and Terry (Kathi) Johnson, Brule, WI. Minerva has 8 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Also survived by a sister-in-law, Helvie TePoel, Hudson, WI. A half-brother, Kenneth Greif, resides in Sweden. Another half-brother, Sonny Johnson predeceased her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Johnson in 1991. They were married 51 years. The two moved many times following Harvey’s military then educational career.

Minerva dedicated many years of service to a number of organizations. She was an active member of Brule Presbyterian Church, working with the Christmas Bazaar, harvest dinner, and many other activities. She was still helping serve lunch after funerals well into her 80’s.

The Brule Homemakers was another group she was a member of for over 25 years. It was through this group that she became involved with the Wisconsin-Nicaragua Partnership through the UW-Stevens Point. Minerva joined several trips to Nicaragua, each trip providing instruction and materials so Nicaraguan women could learn a new skill and possible way to supplement their income.

Other organizations apart of Minerva’s life for years were 4H; Shell Lake Women’s Club; Monday Club (Ashland Women’s Club); Ashland Hospital Auxiliary Giftshop; Ashland Garden Club; White Shrine, Superior, Eastern Star, Ashland.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Aspen Healthcare for the are and medical attention Minerva received while there.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Minerva’s memory to:

Waino Ever-Rest Cemetery, c/o Sheila Mackey, Treasurer: 14156 E. Tuura Road, Brule, WI 54820 - check made out to Waino Ever-Rest Cemetery

Nicaragua-Wisconsin Partnership: Room 129, Nelson Hall UWSP, 1209 Frement Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481 - check made out to W/NP

UWSP Foundation, 2100 Main Street, Room 134 Old Main, Stevens Point, WI  54481, or to the Brule Presbyterian Church, c/o Pioneer Parish Office, 5201 East 2nd Street, Superior, WI 54880.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, Friday, May 6, 2022 at the Brule Presbyterian Church, 5810 County Road H in Brule, WI and will continue until the 11:00 AM Memorial Service.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is handling arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com .