Lois Johnson

Lois Bertha Ann (Liabo) Johnson

July 25, 1930 - April 17, 2025

Lois Bertha Ann (Liabo) Johnson passed away on April 17, 2025 at the age of 94 in her home in New Hope MN. Lois was born in Minneapolis Minnesota and was a first generation American as the daughter of Bertha and Albert Liabo. Bertha and Albert were proud Norwegians that came to America in the early twentieth century. Lois was the second child of Bertha and Albert and sister to her brother Palmer.

Lois was raised in North Minneapolis and met Richard (Dick) Johnson at a dance hall having been introduced by Dick's twin sister Marilyn. The two married in 1953 and raised 6 children together. The family lived in Minneapolis and eventually moved to the suburbs in 1969. Dick and Lois were married for 67 years until Dick's passing in 2020.

Lois was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and a strong and supportive partner. Since Dick was a Mpls firefighter and worked overnight shifts Lois was the rock of the family holding down the fort in her own quiet way.

Along with raising their 3 boys and 3 girls and supporting them in all of their activities, Dick and Lois shared a love of music. Together they were loyal choir members of Church of the Ascension and later at Epiphany. They participated in the annual St. Patrick's Day musical along with their dear life long friends and were members of the Hobby Singers, a musical group that sang on Friday evenings in formal attire at local nursing homes. Entertaining the residents with all the oldies but goodies and ending with a sing along for all.

Dick and Lois loved their large family. They love having all the kids together and would host all the birthday and holiday events at their home in New Hope. As the family grew they played large roles in the lives of their many grandchildren. Frequently hosting overnights with popcorn and movies, swimming in their pool and Mickey Mouse waffles made by Grandma Lois each morning. These simple pleasures made lasting childhood memories for all.

Lois was an avid knitter and crocheter. Having learned to knit and crochet from her Norwegian mother she always had a project she was working on. She made sweaters, hats and mittens as well as larger projects such as afghans. Perhaps her finest work was with the tiny crochet hooks she used to create doilies, tablecloths and bedspreads out of thread. She was a true crafts person gifted in a dying art. The family is fortunate to have lasting examples of her work. Even in her later years she could be relied upon to supply family and friends with yarn dishcloths. Always a treasured gift.

Lois was a strong Norwegian and didn't feel the need to be the center of attention. She showed her love through her actions. The stereotype of a stoic norwegian fit her to a T. She didn't feel the need to have excess dialogue but conveyed her thoughts and opinion as needed. She kept her mind sharp into her nineties by reading, knitting and completing missing vowel word searches.

Survived by children Sandra (Les) Steinberg, Craig (Cindy), Thomas (Mary), Robert (Cherilyn), Julie (Timothy) Hadden, son-in-law Thomas Gustafson; 15 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents; sibling Palmer; loving husband Richard (Dick), and her daughters Mary Claire Johnson and Jacqueline Gustafson.

Mass of Christian Burial at Church of the Ascension 1723 Bryant Ave. N Minneapolis, MN 55411 on Thursday May 8, 2025 at 11:00am with a visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Lunch at the church to follow.