Margaret Adelaide Johnson, 96, Walker, Minn.

Cherished wife of 63 years, adored Mother and sister, beloved grandmother and revered teacher, Margaret Adelaide Johnson, 96,  passed away peacefully at May Creek Lodge, Walker, Minn., on June 22, 2016, taking her grace, wit and beauty, but not her  loving presence, from this earth.
Margaret was born in Minneapolis, on Apr. 29, 1920, to Howard and Margaret (Shelley) McLeod. Margaret and her two sisters, Phyllis and Geraldine, grew up in Buffalo, New York, St. Paul, Deer River and Portage Lake, Minn. Adored by their parents, Margaret and her two sisters Phyllis and Geraldine, grew up fishing on Portage Lake, reading into the night, tending to a large garden that included grapevines, attending a boarding school together, and remaining very close for their entire lives. Margaret graduated from Bemidji State Teachers College and began her career and lifelong love of learning and teaching in 1941. She taught school at the Akeley Public School for 34 years. During those years, she intermittently served on the School Board, as the Librarian, Principal and was the Teacher of the Year.
For Valentine’s Day in 1942, Margaret was looking for a good-looking great dancer to invite to the Sadie Hawkins Dance. She took a chance and invited Fredrik Johnson. They were married on August 7 of the same year and they continued to dance their entire life. They made their home on the Johnson homestead located on a creek between 9th and 10th Crow Wing Lakes. Margaret continued her teaching career and went on to attain a  master’s degree in her pursuit of knowledge. 
Together Fred and Margaret nurtured four children who, in turn, brought 14 grandchildren home to grandpa and grandma, followed by 26 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.  Margaret and Fred lived for 62 years on the homestead at 10th Crow Wing Lake. Her retirement passions included travel, golfing at Tianna Country Club, countless visits to Alaska and Arizona, Women’s Study Club, the First Lutheran Church, the Leech Lake Art League, the Senior Center and the historical society. 
In 2004, Margaret and Fred moved to the May Creek Lodge Assisted Living in Walker, Minn. She lived and thrived in the loving environment surrounded by gentle care for 12 years. 
Margaret is preceded in death by her darling husband Fredrik Johnson, her parents Margaret and Howard McLeod, her sisters, Phyllis Numedahl and Geraldine Nowlan, nephews Stephan Harms, Steve Nowlan, niece Sandie Maldonado, and son-in-law Bill Lenander.
Margaret is survived by her children: Carol Lenander (Larry Gass); Philip (Hazel) Johnson; Peggy (Greg) Favretto; and Alan (Mary) Johnson; 14 fabulous grandchildren; 26 wonderful great grandchildren and one amazing great-great grandchild. Her memory will be cherished by her loving family.
Funeral services were held on June 27, 2016, at First Lutheran Church, Akeley, Minn. Pastor Darrell Morton officiated and Margaret’s grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Margaret was interred at the Akeley Cemetery from where she will once again join Fred to dance. 
Cease Family Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Leave online condolences at www.ceasefuneralhome.com.