Inez Johnson

Inez Louise Johnson, age 88, of Albert Lea, Minnesota, formerly of Barnesville, Minnesota, passed away on December 1, 2025, at Mayo Hospital in Mankato, Minnesota.

Inez was born on October 10, 1937, in Pennington, Minnesota, to Opal and Harvey Foster. She spent the majority of her life in the Bemidji and Barnesville areas, where she built a life rooted in family, creativity, and a deep connection to the land.

Inez was united in marriage to Kenneth Lowell Johnson on April 6, 1957. She passed away just nine months after her husband of 67 years, a testament to the deep bond they shared. She is survived by her sons, Frederick C. Johnson (Zion) and Kenneth L.H.O. Johnson (Savile); her loving sisters-in-law; and her niece, Susan Waughtal, with whom she shared a particularly special and cherished bond.

Inez had a lifelong love for animals and was widely known for her gentle, intuitive way with them. Many described her as an “animal whisperer,” as animals seemed to trust her instinctively. She cared for her sheep with devotion and skill, often serving as a self-taught veterinarian, tending to them with patience, knowledge, and compassion. One example of her dedication was being recognized in 1958 when she won Grand Champion honors at the Minnesota State Fair with a purebred Hampshire ewe—an achievement she was quietly proud of. Purebred Suffolks were her favorite, and she raised, showed, and sold them for many years, treating them like pets rather than livestock.

In addition to her love of animals, Inez was a gifted and deeply creative artist. Art was one of the ways she expressed her thoughtful and observant nature. Whether through her chosen mediums or the careful attention she gave to her work, her creativity reflected the beauty she saw in everyday life. Her artistic spirit was woven throughout her home and surroundings, leaving behind tangible reminders of her talent and imagination for her family to treasure.

Inez often reminisced about her time living in West Germany during the 1980s while her husband taught at Stuttgart American High School. For two years, they took advantage of every opportunity to travel throughout Europe. Inez’s love of art history made that time especially meaningful.

Kenneth and Inez made their home near Barnesville, Minnesota, from 1970 until 2017. For a short time, they lived in Bristow, Oklahoma, before settling in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Inez was laid to rest at Becker Cemetery in Becker, Minnesota. A private memorial service will be held at a later date for family and close friends. Memorials may be made to a local humane society in her honor, reflecting her lifelong compassion for animals.