Leah Victoria Magnell was born to Carl and Betsy Magnell in rural Garnes Township, Red Lake County on May 7, 1913. She was the youngest of seven children. Her brothers and sisters were Amanda Magnell Hegtvedt, Dora Magnell Lovaas, Clarence Magnell, Beatrice Magnell Strom, Otto Magnell and Joseph Magnell.

She attended rural school. She was baptized and confirmed in the Ebenezer Lutheran Church of rural Oklee. She married Clarence Johnson on June 29, 1935 at Oklee by Pastor Lerohl with attendants Oscar Linder and Inga Johnson. They had two children, Lyla Mae, born May 31, 1941 and Curtis Wayne, born July 6, 1952. They owned and operated a farm eight miles north of Oklee. In 1946 they sold that farm and purchased a 400-acre farm one mile west of Oklee. They farmed at that location for 27 years until 1973 they retired. Later in 1973, they purchased a house and 80 acres of land one-half mile north of Oklee.

Clarence and Leah spent many winters in California, Texas, Arizona, and Florida with their trailer homes, 5th wheelers and motor home. Over twenty winters were spent in San Diego, California where they owned a house for several years. During WorId War II, Leah and Clarence lived in California for some time and worked in the shipyards. Leah was one of "Rosie the Riveters".

Leah and Clarence visited Norway and Sweden in 1983 and again in 1987 when their daughter and son, Lyla and Curtis, accompanied them to see many relatives. They were able to see the areas where their parents were born and sailed for America as young people.

Leah liked dogs and cats. She had a favorite dog, as a young girl, and another farm dog
"Bingo" who was with them for 18 years. Clarence and Leah celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1985 at Zion Lutheran Church. Leah was a great cook and loved to bake. She loved to bake sugar cookies, gingersnaps, cake and Norwegian foods. There were always cakes and cookies and good lunches for visitors who stopped by. She also liked to help out with serving meals with the Zion Lutheran Church Women. She enjoyed her grandchildren: Tamara and Jenny Beth Johnson and Brian and Debbie Rice.

Clarence passed away in 1994. Leah continued to live at the home near Oklee in the summers. In 1995, their home was sold and Leah moved to Huron, South Dakota where their daughter, Lyla, lived. Leah lived in an apartment for four years and has been a resident of Huron Nursing Home for the past ten years.

Survivors include one daughter Lyla Rice of Huron, SD, one son Curtis (Carol) Johnson, Moorhead, MN, 4 grandchildren, Brian (Deb) Rice of Brandon, SD, Debbie (Jim) Panerio of Aberdeen, SD, Tamara Johnson of Fargo, ND, and Jenny Beth Johnson of Moorhead, MN, 4 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, 4 sisters-in-law Inga Linder of Plummer, MN, Gladys Magnell of Spearfish, SD, Ethel Johnson of Thief River Falls, MN, and Margaret Johnson of Oklee, MN.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Clarence in 1994, 3 sisters, Amanda Hegtvedt, Dora Lovaas, Beatrice Strom, and 3 brothers Otto, Clarence, and Joseph, and son-in-law Verdell Rice.

Leah Johnson of Huron, SD formerly of Oklee, MN died Monday, January 26, 2009 at SunQuest Health Care Center in Huron, SD. at the age of 95 years, 8 months, and 19 days. May her memory be blessed.