Minnie Ekstedt

Minnie Ekstedt, age 97, of St. James died on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at Pleasant View Good Samaritan Center in St. James. Memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church or the Watonwan County Humane Society. Minnie Sophia Johnson was born in Odin Township, Watonwan County, Minnesota, on July 5, 1912 the daughter of Seivert and Mary (Langland) Johnson. Minnie was baptized and confirmed at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. She attended country school through the 8th grade at School District #34 near Odin. On December 14, 1931 she was united in marriage to Clifford C. W. Ekstedt at the church parsonage. The couple made their home in the St. James area where Minnie spent most of her life. She worked in the dietary department at the Watonwan Memorial Hospital for 13 years. Minnie was a member of First Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and was active in ladies aid. Minnie and Clifford loved to travel. She was a wonderful cook and also enjoyed canning, gardening, tending her house plants, collecting antiques and working crafts. Minnie also loved children and would do a lot a babysitting. She lived 68 years in the house that her husband, with the help of other family members, built before moving to Pleasant View Good Samaritan Center in November 2005. She was preceded in death by her husband Clifford in 1979, son Clifford C. Ekstedt, granddaughter Kathy Rae Swanson, sisters Opal Carlson, Gina Christopherson, Ella Schaffer Zempel, Pearl Kolden, brothers Elmer Johnson, Albert Johnson, Elvin Johnson, Martin Johnson and Henry Johnson. She is survived by her daughter Marlene (Erich) Herzog of Englewood, FL, son Charles (Sue) Ekstedt of St. James, daughter-in-law Gloria Ekstedt of St. James, 6 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.