Dames Steinlicht Johnson, 93, of Elbow Lake passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at the Evansville Care Campus, Evansville, MN. Dames was born in Elk Lake Township on February 11, 1922 to Albert & Hedwig (Hattie) (Reich) Steinlicht. She grew up in Elk Lake Township and walked to country school. She lived with various families in Hoffman during the week in order to attend high school. Dames graduated from Hoffman High School and then attended what was then the Teacher's College at St. Cloud. She continued her education at the Minneapolis School of Business. She was employed as a bank teller for Northwestern State Bank in downtown Minneapolis. She stayed with families and worked for her room and board. She enjoyed the people she met and had many wonderful experiences and maintained lifelong friendships with people she met. On July 15, 1951, she was united in marriage to Merl Johnson at the Steinlicht home in Barrett. After their marriage, they farmed in Sanford Township, raising wheat, alfalfa and soybeans. Dames was a Sunday school teacher for many years, providing not only instruction, but she played the piano and organized Sunday school parties and actives. After her children went away to college, Dames worked at Ona Mount's greenhouse. She was a member of several garden clubs and judged floral arrangements at county fairs. She studied and became a Master Gardener and enjoyed flower arranging. She exhibited at the Minneapolis Institute of Art's annual "Art & Bloom" where participants interpret pieces of art work thru floral arrangements. She was also an excellent cook, using fresh garden vegetables from her garden for elaborate meals always trying new ingredients and techniques. She always served desert and made sure there was always a chocolate cake made for Merl. She contributed to the family farming operation, by providing creative, nutritious and delicious lunches, and meals. She kept records for the Elbow Lake Snowmobile club, for Merl's army reunions, and for their family reunions. She served as the Bailiff for Grant County for many years and was a gifted writer. Dames was very committed to her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She was a lot of fun and provided good structure to the family. Dames' life can be defined by her devotion to her family and her love of nature and being outdoors. Dames is survived by her daughter, Mary (William) Tradewell of Minnetonka; son, Jay (Betty) Johnson of Elbow Lake; and five grandchildren, Pauline (Langston Stewart) Tradewell, Molly (Mike Ludwig) Tradewell, Lesli Johnson, Mitchell (Rowena) Johnson, and Leah (Rahul) Dhuria. Preceding Dames in death are her parents, her husband, Merl in February 2015, and her two sisters, Emma (Neil) LaRock and Ruby (Bud) Henry. Funeral Service: 11:00 AM, Monday, July 6, 2015 at Bethlehem/West Elbow Lake Lutheran Church, Elbow Lake, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Clergy: Rev. Scott Ruud Interment: Union Cemetery, Elbow Lake Condolences: EricksonSmithFH.com
Memorial Folder for Dames Johnson
Funeral Home: Erickson-Smith Funeral Home - Elbow Lake 116 1st Street NE Elbow Lake, MN US 56531
Previous Events
Visitation
Monday, July 6, 2015
10:00 AM
- 11:00 AM
Bethlehem-West Elbow Lake Lutheran Church
11 2nd Ave. SE
Elbow Lake, MN 56531
Service
Monday, July 6, 2015
11:00 AM
Bethlehem-West Elbow Lake Lutheran Church
11 2nd Ave. SE
Elbow Lake, MN 56531
With visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.
cemetery
Monday, July 6, 2015
Union Cemetery
Hwy 79 E
Elbow Lake, MN 56531