Ruth Flicek Johnson

Ruth Marie (Halloran) Flicek Johnson, age 90, of Madelia, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2021 at United Hospital in St. Paul following a stroke. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the St. Mary's Catholic Church, Madelia, on Friday, May 14, 2021 at 11:00 am with Fr. Timothy Hall as Celebrant. Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Madelia, MN. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home, Pilgrim Chapel in Madelia. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com. Ruth was born in Belle Plaine, MN, in 1930 to John and Grace (Schoell) Halloran and grew up on a farm near St. Thomas. She graduated from New Prague High School in 1948 and the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul in 1951 with a diploma in nursing. Ruth worked as a registered nurse at St. Joseph's Hospital in St. Paul, and the Madelia Hospital until she started her family. Ruth married her high school sweetheart, Bob Flicek of New Prague on June 27, 1953 at the Church of St. Thomas in St. Thomas, MN. That same year, Bob and Ruth moved to Madelia so that Bob could manage a drug store for J.J. Bill and Son. In 1972, Bob and Ruth purchased two drug stores from the Bills, and when Bob passed away in 1982, Ruth took over management until her retirement in 1990. Ruth married Marlo Johnson on April 13, 1985 in Madelia. Ruth and Marlo built a new home off the 5th green of the golf course and enjoyed their years together golfing, traveling and wintering in Arizona. Marlo passed away in 1999. Ruth was a homemaker and stayed at home to raise her five children and support Bob at the drug stores. She was a Girl Scout leader for her three daughters from 1962 to 1981 and a Cub Scout leader for her sons for several years. Ruth was instrumental in helping raise funds for an outdoor swimming pool in Madelia and her vision came to fruition in 1969. While on the Park Board, Ruth helped to establish the present golf course which opened in 1981. Ruth always felt it was important to support the community of Madelia, to help it grow and thrive. Ruth lived independently in her home until her death. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church for 68 years; her Catholic faith being central in her life. Ruth was very proud of her Irish heritage. She was close to her parents, sisters and brothers where large family gatherings and vacations up-north were cherished traditions. Ruth loved to travel, traveling to many countries and states with family and friends. She was an avid golfer and proud of her hole-in-one on the 14th green at the St. James Golf Course at the age of 72. Ruth was a serious bridge player, playing bridge for many years with her friends until the pandemic put a hold on it. Ruth loved to read, enjoyed learning about other countries and was always knowledgeable about current events. Most of all, Ruth treasured the time spent with her children, grand/great-grandchildren and her lifelong friends (you know who you are). Ruth is survived by her five children, Dan (Kathy) Flicek of Mendota Heights, Jane (Bob) Sorenson of Hanska, Greg Flicek of Durango, Colorado, Julie (Jeff) Halvorson of Madelia, and Joan (Don) Johnson of Elko; 13 grandchildren, Annie (Ryan) Vetter, Mary (Derek) Meyer, Lizzy (Ryan) Jeska, Tim (Steph) Sorenson, Mike (Laura) Sorenson, Josh (Jen) Sorenson, Kristin Covarrubias, Josh (Sadie) Halvorson, Jay (Larissa) Halvorson, Jared (Bailey) Halvorson, Tony (Erin) Johnson, Eric Johnson, Nick Johnson, and 19 great-grandchildren. Ruth is survived by two sisters, Dori (Bill) Solie of Eden Prairie, Mary Louise (Don) Hayden of Kilkenny, sisters-in-law, Marian Halloran, Mary Jean Halloran both of St. Thomas, Rita Halloran of Minneapolis, Rose Halloran, and many nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her husbands; parents; siblings, Ed Halloran, John (Betty) Halloran, Joe Halloran and Jim Halloran; in-laws Norbert and Irene Flicek, Glen and Marge Flicek. Cards may be sent to Ruth Johnson's Family at 10585 State Hwy 15, Hanska, MN 56041 Service Information 11:00 am Friday, May 14, 2021 St. Mary's Catholic Church, Madelia 223 1st St. NE Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 COVID guidelines apply, including Masks and social distancing. Interment Information Calvary Cemetery, Madelia East, Co. Hwy 3 Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Reception A luncheon will take place at the Madelia Golf Club immediately following interment.