Loretta Johnson

Loretta Harriet Johnson, age 82, of Pipestone, Minnesota was born in Canby, Minnesota on August 22, 1942 to Clarence and Victoria (Popowski) Scheleck. She attended school in Canby, Minnesota and helped her parents on the farm as she grew up. On June 27, 1964 in Wilno, Minnesota Loretta married the love of her life Darrel Johnson. They settled in Pipestone, Minnesota where they raised two children Debra and Michael. Loretta worked various jobs and ended her working career with 25 years of service to the Pipestone County Medical Center. 

Loretta was a light who didn't take herself or life too seriously. She was always looking for a joke, a prank, a way to have fun and be joyful with others. If there was mischief to be had, you can be certain Loretta was in some way a willing accomplice. She loved to be goofy and silly and enjoyed making those around her laugh. She had a green thumb and loved working in her garden. Loretta was especially proud of her tomato plants. She also loved flowers of any kind and marked each spring by decorating her deck with colorful hanging baskets. 

There wasn't a dog who crossed her path that Loretta didn't pet and fawn over. While Darrel is the love of her life, it can be said that Trixie, Snoopy and Ed were also loves of her life. She had great care and compassion for all creatures and enjoyed spoiling her many fur grand dogs just as much as she enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren. As those who love her grieve her passing, her legacy of joy will remain. Loretta experienced many hardships throughout her life, but she never lost her sense of humor. Her journey on earth was one marked with positivity, compassion, and incredible generosity.

Loretta suffered a stroke in 2018 and as her health declined she became a resident at the Good Samaritan Communities in Pipestone, Minnesota. Loretta died Friday, January 31, 2025 at the Pipestone County Medical Center. 

Loretta is survived by her Husband, Darrel Johnson; daughter, Debra (special friend Jay) Pankonen of Pipestone, Minnesota; son, Michael (Shawna) Johnson of Slayton, Minnesota; six grandchildren, Josh, Mandy, Samantha, Melissa, Jennifer, Aaron; nine great-grandchildren, Shayla, Owen, Truman, Ivan, Evelyn, Braylen, Mason, Eleanor, Norah; sister, Dorothy Schroeder; sister-in-law, Jerri Johnson; brother-in-law, Manny Mendes.