Betty Jane Johnson

Betty Jane Dahlvang was born on February 13, 1938, at home in a little cabin in Itasca County, rural Big Fork, Minnesota. The Doctor walked across the frozen river and as he waited patiently for Betty to be born, he blew smoke rings around the lamp. Her parents were the late William and Iva (Avelsgard) Dahlvang. Betty attended District # 55 South Country School for eight years in Lyons Township. She graduated from the Sebeka High School with the class of 1956. In 1957 Betty received her Teacher Training in Staples, Minnesota and went on to teach in Wadena County. 

On February 21, 1959, Betty was united in marriage with Alvin Herman Johnson at Betty’s parents’ home. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Duane, LaVern, Michael, and Kevin. Betty and Alvin resided in Wadena until July 5, 1962, and then made their home on the current family farm in rural Sebeka, Minnesota. On May 28, 2001, Alvin passed away. Betty continued to reside on the family farm.

Betty was employed at the Sebeka cheese plant, Russ Davis Wholesale, Wadena Builders Supply, Hartman’s Veterinary Clinic. She also worked at the Tri-County Hospital until her retirement. Betty had a very strong faith; she was always very active in church at Leaf River when her children were small and then transitioned to Oylen Alliance Church. She enjoyed assisting with Bible Camps at Oylen.

Betty loved to bake! She made many wedding cakes, birthday and anniversary cakes too. She enjoyed the birds, gardening, growing flowers, and loved music, especially Gospel and Bluegrass, and attended several concerts. Betty also enjoyed friendship through Senior Companion as she would stop and visit with her new friends at the nursing home or assisted living and even take them out shopping. She and her sister enjoyed traveling together. They made several trips to Brandson, Florida, the Bahamas, and even Mexico. Betty also had special trips with Alvin to the North Shore.

On March 15, 2025, Betty passed away peacefully at her home in rural Sebeka, Minnesota surrounded by her loving family and the gentle care of Vivie Hospice. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Preceding Betty in death were her parents, William and Iva Dahlvang; husband, Alvin Johnson; two sons: Michael Johnson and Duane Johnson; two brothers: Robert “Bob” Dahlvang and Richard Dahlvang.

Betty is survived by her sons: LaVern Johnson of Sebeka; and Kevin (Melaine) Johnson of Sebeka; eight grandchildren: Chancey, Cayden, Evan, Jake, Hattie, John, Willow and Brooke; siblings: Jim (Diane) Dahlvang of Montevideo and Pat Iverson of Spring Lake Park; sisters-in-law: Joyce (Chuck) Zimmerman of Staples; and Laura Kolb of Staples; many other relatives and a host of friends.

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