Rose Marie DeFrance

Rose Marie DeFrance was born in Barrett, Minnesota on November 8, 1937, and she died in the same town on July 3, 2022. She was named after her mother Rosella, and she had five brothers: Gary, Dayle, Jerry, Donny, and Larry. She spent her entire life in Minnesota - mostly in Barrett and Fridley. She graduated in 1955 from Elbow Lake High School, where she had many friends. She had a keen mind and sharp wit, but it was her eye appeal that explains why she came to be called “the pearl of Erdahl.” She met her husband Douglas “Skip” Johnson when he was home on leave from the Navy and she was waitressing. They went on to have 23 happy years together, and three children: Bruce, David, and Jody.

Rose Marie was a passionate and caring mother, superb homemaker, and good cook. Socially, she was almost always the most outgoing person in the room, and in conversation one rarely had to guess what was on her mind. Her hobbies included painting, dancing, and swimming. In her later years she also was the doting companion of several fine dogs and cats, including her beloved Pene and Charlie. She faced many serious challenges in her life, and she handled them with pluck and fortitude, often with the generous support of friends, neighbors, and family.

Rose Marie was an ardent reader of the Bible and a faithful follower of Christ. Her favorite verse was “If God is for us, who can be against us?”, and her favorite hymn was “How Great Thou Art.” With her arrival, heaven has surely become a more lively place.

Funeral Services will be at 1:00 PM Friday, July 8, 2022 at Peace Lutheran Church, Barrett with visitation beginning at 12:00 noon.

Burial will follow the service at Bethesda Lutheran Cemetery, rural Barrett.

A Reception will follow the burial at 'Rumor Has It' in Barrett. All are welcome to come and celebrate Rose Marie's life!

Erickson-Smith Funeral Home in Elbow Lake is assisting the family with arrangements for Rose Marie DeFrance.