Natalie Johnson

Natalie Delores (Gandrud) Johnson age 94, of Alexandria, passed away on March 17th, 2025. Preceded in death by her loving husband, Arthur Johnson and her companion of many years, Gene Simpson, her parents, one brother, two sisters and great granddaughter, Ella Grace Formo. She was born and raised in Glenwood, MN where she met future husband Arthur at the Lakeside Ballroom. Upon graduation from high school, she briefly attended the University of Manitoba and continued her education at Gustavas Adolphus where she received her Associates of Arts degree. Art and Natalie were married on August 12,1951 and moved to Newport, RI where he was stationed on a US Navy Destroyer. In 1952, they moved to Alexandria, MN where they raised 4 children, Arthur III, Kathy, Gary, and Teresa. Natalie enjoyed two primary careers. Her first was working for KCMT Television in Alexandria where, among her many other accomplishments, she helped pioneer the role of a woman as a host of a television variety show. Her show, Welcome Inn, introduced viewers from ordinary people to aspiring politicians to entertainers like the Jackson 5 and the Osmond Brothers. Her second career was teaching for 15 years at the Alexandria Technical School where she taught clerical skills to students in a variety of degree programs. Her hobbies included sewing, golfing, playing cards, dance, and fishing. She is survived by Arthur (Denise), Kathy (Greg/Lanny), Gary (Terri), Teresa (Brad), 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Visitation will be held April 7 from 4-7pm and April 8 at 12:00-1:00pm. Her Celebration of Life will be held on April 8 at 1:00pm. Both are at Anderson Funeral Home located at 659 Voyager Drive NW, Alexandria, MN. Interment will take place at Kinkead Cemetery following the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Alexandria Technical & Community College Foundation, 318 17th Ave East, Alexandria, MN 56308 or to Vivie Foundation/Grand Arbor-Gardens North Memory Care Unit, 2209 Jefferson St, #209, Alexandria, MN.