Arleen Johnson

Arleen Johnson, age 90, of St. James died on Thursday, May 27, 2010 at Pleasant View Good Samaritan Center in St. James. Arleen Mildred Chalin was born on August 7, 1919 near St. James, the daughter of Arvid Mildred (Etter) Chalin. Arleen grew up on the family farm and graduated from Madelia High School. She attended Gustavus Adolphus College for 3 years. She married Amos Hovde in 1940 they made their home on the family farm in rural Hanska. Following Amos's death Arleen returned to school and earned her education degree at Mankato State College. She taught school in LaSalle and St. James for 22 years. In 1966 she married Arnold Johnson they continued to farm and blend their families into one. They moved into LaSalle and in 2003 into St. James. Arleen was an avid reader, she enjoyed traveling, bingo, and doing volunteer work. She volunteered at Pleasent View for over 30 years. She was a life long learner and loved visiting with family and friends. Arleen was a member of Albion Lutheran Church where she was active in Sunday School serving as superintendent for many years, active with the Ladies Aide serving as President and Treasurer. She was also active with the Home Council Extension Club, 4-H, and served as Bible study leader at LaSalle Lutheran Church where she was a member currently. She was a second term President of the Homestead Co-op where she lived. Arleen was preceded in death by both husbands Amos and Arnold, a brother Kenneth Chalin and a sister Lorraine Stone. She is survived by her children Tom (Karen) Hovde of Burnsville, Bonnie (John) Melton of League City, TX, Judy (Dale) Johnson of Willmar, Sue (Steve) Davis of Rochester, Bob (Karen) Johnson of Kansas City, MO, Dennis (Linda) Johnson of Lewisville, Dave (Nancy) Johnson of Suprise, AZ, 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter and her extended family at Homestead.