Irene Theresa Johnson

Irene T. (Holscher) Johnson, age 84, of Nisswa, passed away on Friday, September 4, 2020 at her home with family by her side. Irene was born in Browerville, MN on July 2, 1936 to Frank and Eileen (Host) Holscher. Irene attended a one room schoolhouse in her early years and ultimately graduated from Browerville High School in 1954. Irene was united in marriage to Darrell K. Johnson on August 8, 1955 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Browerville, MN. Together they lived in Bloomington, Fridley, and Forest Lake before relocating to the Brainerd Lakes area.

Irene and Darrell owned and operated Agate Lake Resort for 21 years from 1972-1993 where they raised their family of 5 children. Irene was a hard worker and enjoyed her many years in the hospitality industry. She was a parishioner of St. Christopher’s Catholic Church in Nisswa, and an active member of the Council of Catholic Women (CCW). She freely volunteered her time to the community as a board member of the Lakes Area Food Shelf and president of the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce.

Irene and Darrell enjoyed traveling and went on many journeys together around the United States. She especially treasured the winters they spent in Florida and Gulf Shores, Alabama. Irene was an incredible host of family gatherings where she shared her wonderful cooking and baking skills with those around her. Throughout the year, Irene loved to take care of her plants and flowers. You could always expect her gardens to be well tended and beautiful. Irene also had a love for sewing and quilting and enjoyed “quilting weekends” with her family members.

Survivors include son Keith Johnson of Center City, MN; daughters, Julie Johnson (John Gisch) of St. Louis Park, MN and Eunice (Tim) Peabody of Nisswa, MN; grandchildren, Beth Steiger, Megan Snyder, Matt Steiger, Katie Landon, Anthony Boyer, Sara Boyer, Travis Wright, Emily Peabody, Will Peabody, Ellie Peabody, and Grace Peabody; 7-great grandchildren; siblings, Tom Holscher, Pat Kempenich, Jack Holsher, Fred Holscher, Mary Kortuem, Duane Holscher, Lyle Holscher, and Connie Lundstrom.

She was preceded in death by her husband; two daughters, Margaret “Peggy” Steiger and Kristine Johnson; daughter-in-law, Debbie (Carson) Johnson; infant son, grandchild Ryan Peabody; and sister Lil Bous.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, September 11, 2020 at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church in Nisswa, MN. Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the service from 10 a.m. to noon. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Nisswa. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the Johnson home on Hartley Lake where a light luncheon will be served. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her honor are preferred. The family asks to please respect the COVID precautions and protocols that are in place in our state - wear a mask indoors, sanitize hands, and practice social distancing.

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