Iola Rose Papenfuss was born September 24, 1927 at Farmington, WI, the daughter of Antone and Laura (Stephen) Papenfuss. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, Farmington, WI. She grew up and attended Osceola, WI High School.

On February 12, 1949, Iola was united in marriage to Ormond E. Johnson at Zion Lutheran Church, Farmington, WI. Iola was employed as a food waitress at the Thief River Falls American Legion Dining Room for 33 years.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls where she sang in the Senior Choir and taught Sunday school. She held membership in the American Legion and VFW Auxiliary. Iola liked gardening, cooking, playing bridge and being a homemaker. She most especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Survived by husband, Ormond, Thief River Falls, MN; children, Douglas O. (Terri) Johnson, Roseau, MN, Donald A. (Peg) Johnson, Detroit Lakes, MN, Susan R. Johnson, Citrus Heights, CA, James E. (Chris) Johnson, Blaine, MN, Mark W. (Linda) Johnson, Maple Grove, MN and Mary J. (Dan) Thorstad, Thief River Falls, MN; grandchildren, Kylee, Keri and Kathy Johnson, Nathan, Mackenzie and Ross, Johnson, Jessie and Michael Bittner, Brandon, Zachary and Kelsey, Johnson, Chad Thompson and Ben Thorstad; a brother, Walter Papenfuss, Osseo, MN and a sister, Beatrice Hinz, Osceola, WI.

Preceded in death by parents, grandparents, a sister, Rita Hinz and a brother, Carl Papenfuss.