Patricia Johnson

Patricia “Pat” Johnson (Swanson), 85, passed away on November 20, 2023, at Mayo in Austin, MN. Pat was born to Mildred Anita Schiager (Lunning) and Arvid Selmer Swanson on June 9, 1938, in Albert Lea, MN. She was baptized at Hartland Lutheran Church and confirmed at Grace Lutheran in Albert Lea. She was active in Junior League and Choir in her younger years.

She grew up living with her mother and step-father, Robert Schiager, attending schools in Albert Lea and graduated June 4, 1956. Pat was united in marriage to Donavon L. (Donnie) Johnson at Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea on September 8, 1956. They were among the first couples married in the new Grace Lutheran Church. Pat and Donnie celebrated their 60th Anniversary in 2016 with an Open House hosted by their daughter, Debbie, and son-in-law Roger at Green Lea Golf Course. After their marriage, they made their home in Albert Lea, Thompson, IA, Emmons, Hayward, and then moved back to Albert Lea on April 6, 1966. They have one daughter, Debbie.

Pat had worked at different office and bookkeeping positions in Albert Lea over her working life; among them were the positions at the Lea Center Building as office manager for over 30 years, H & R Block for 5 years, VFW, Reim Roofing, Nancy's Cafe as the bookkeeper, at Ken's Service since 1999 until 2017; and she also owned her own bookkeeping and income tax business for 35 years, retiring in 2002.

Pat was a member of Grace Lutheran, where she had served as treasurer and vice president of the GLCW. Pat also had been a member of the Wa-Tan-Ye Service Club. She also had been a board member of the Albert Lea Women's Bowling Association since 1980. Over the years, she served as director, treasurer, secretary, and member. With the new USBC Association merging in Albert Lea, Pat was hired as association manager starting in 2006. Over the years, Pat had bowled in and been an officer in many leagues; most recently bowling in the Switch-a-Rues, serving as secretary-treasurer. Pat had also bowled in numerous State Tournaments (well over 30) and in 30 National tournaments; she was awarded plaques for her 25th and 30th years of National bowling and was also elected a Minnesota Life Member. In 2015, Pat was inducted into the Minnesota State United States Bowling Congress Association Hall of Fame. Pat also enjoyed spending her summers at the Lake with Donnie and their camping friends for over 40 years and sharing in the early years of camping with Debbie and some of her friends.

Left to cherish Pat’s memory are her daughter, Debbie (Roger) Christensen; Grandchildren: Kim (Chad) Lundak, children, Drew (Calli) Passingham, their children, Quinn Stencel, Blayke, and Rory, Madi Passingham and Bergan Ludak. Bucky (Michelle) Christensen and his children Campbell, Otis and Theo; Nephew, Mark (Diane) Sorenson, children Michelle (Tom), Nieces, Kris (Kenney) Hanson, Adam (Nicole) and Karen (Doug) Gillespie, Joslyn; many great nieces and nephews; and special friend, Irene.

Her husband, Donnie preceded her in death on October 19, 2017, after 61 years of marriage. Both her Mother Milly and her stepfather Bob preceded her, along with her natural father Arvid. Also preceding her in death are her in-laws Sally and Gil Johnson, Sister-in-law (Geri) and husband (Dwayne Sorenson); Great-Nephew Brady Hanson; and numerous Aunts and Uncles.

Pat formed many loving friendships with the different workers and residents at Oak Park Place Assisted Living.

A memorial service for Patricia will be held at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation on Thursday, November 30, 2023, beginning at 11:00 AM, with visitation beginning one hour prior; Pastor Shane Koepke will officiate. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. Following services, the family will welcome visitors to Green Lea for a meal and fellowship.