Lillian Johnson

Lillian “Lilu” Johnson, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away on July 15, 2024, at age 95.

Lillian was born on February 3, 1929, to Ida (Kultala) and Arvo Paju in Homestead Township, rural New York Mills, Minnesota. She graduated from the New York Mills High School with the Class of 1947.

On June 23, 1951, Lillian was united in marriage to Kenneth Andrew “Hank” Johnson in New York Mills. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Zona, Nancy and Bruce.

They moved to Minneapolis for a year where Lilu was employed at Sears Robuck as a bookkeeper. Lilu, Hank and their family moved to International Falls MN for 11 years, before relocated multiple times throughout the US (when Hank was transferred for work). Hank’s last transfer was back to MN where they settled in White Bear Lake for 24 years. In 2000 Lilu and Hank made their final move to Maplewood MN.  On August 22, 2001, Hank passed away.

Lilu loved being with family, spending time at “The Ranch” and being at their cabin at Oak Point on Rush Lake. She also enjoyed traveling and casino trips. Her most memorable trip was to Germany.  She was very caring and will be dearly missed. She loved all things Minnesota especially “Lady Slippers and Loons.” She liked to read biographies, discuss politics, and do crossword puzzles. She stayed current on events and read Minneapolis Tribune daily, and the New York Mills Hearld and Dispatch Weekly. She loved her Finnish roots, and she was a Charter Founding Member “The American Immigration History Center” at Ellis Island.

Lilu is preceded in death by husband Kenneth: parents Arvo and Ida Paju; siblings: Willard Paju, Mildred (Mel) Ollie, Frank Paju, Jim Paju, Delores (Don) Fowler, and Russel Paju; nephews Zachary Paju, Ferlin Paju; and niece Alice Ollie; father- and mother-in-law Andrew (Fanny) Johnson; sister-in-law Marilyn Jyrkas and son-in-law David Quail.

Lillian is survived by her children: Zona Quail, Nancy (Randy) Kaping and Bruce (Mary) Johnson;  grandchildren: Kelly (Kaela) Walter, Dan Payson, Darin (Brittany) Johnson, Jenna (Ben) Idland and Sara (Tim) Bommersbach;  great-grandchildren: Landon, Collin, Cannyn, Aydin, Jaydyn, Brooklin, Aydan, Caspynn, Amzee, Sloan, Emma, Ethan, Evelyn, Aviena and Oakly; sisters-in-law Joyce Paju and Judy Paju; many other relatives, nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

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