Dennis Funeral Homes

PHYLLIS MAE JOHNSON, age 77 of Waseca died Monday, April 13, 2009 at Brookdale Senior Living in Owatonna while under the care of Heartland Hospice.

Born in Waseca, Minnesota on December 3, 1931, she was the daughter of Carl and Dorothy (Robran) Strand. Phyllis graduated from Waseca High School in 1950.   She married Ralph D. Johnson Jr. on November 5, 1960 in Lu Verne, Iowa.  Phyllis lived much of her adult life in Owatonna and Zumbrota before returning to Waseca. Her proudest accomplishments were in service to children.  She served as Children's Librarian at Carnegie Public Library in Zumbrota and also for many years as a Sunday School teacher and Cub Scout leader.  She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, and traveling.  Phyllis was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca.

She is survived by her husband, Ralph of Waseca; two sons, Jeffrey (Sharon) Johnson of Great Falls, VA and Rick (Mary Jo) Johnson of St. Paul; one grandson; and three granddaughters.  She is also survived by three brothers, Melvin Strand, Marlyn (Darlette) Strand, and Clifton (Mary) Strand all of Waseca; two sisters-in-law, Dixie Strand of Waseca and Dorothy Strand of Alexandria; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers-Donald and Emerald "Bud" Strand, and two sisters-Darlene Christensen and Dianna Friedrich.  

Visitation will be held at Kinder-Dennis Home for Funerals in Waseca on Thursday, April 16, 2009 from  4-8 PM and continue on Friday, one hour before services at the church.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 17, 2009 at 10:30 AM at Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca with Rev. Roger Haug officiating.  Burial will follow at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca.