Karen Johnson

Karen Ann Johnson was born on June 4, 1946, to Alfred and Jeanette (Peterson) Williams in Tyler, Minnesota. She was raised on the family farm west of Russell, Minnesota. While growing up on the farm, she met Darrel Johnson, who would become the love of her life. On February 13, 1965, she married Darrel at the First Presbyterian Church in Russell, beginning a marriage filled with love, laughter, hard work, and unwavering devotion.

Following their marriage, they moved wherever Darrel’s construction jobs took them. In 1971, they bought a farm 3½ miles east of Russell. They made their home there for 54 years, raising four children, countless crops and livestock. The love Karen and Darrel shared was evident to everyone who knew them. They worked together, traveled together, danced together, and truly enjoyed life side by side. Their devotion remains one of the greatest gifts Karen leaves behind.

Karen and Darrel spent 15 years fishing and camping at Little Bend and New Everetts, enjoying many evenings around a campfire with friends. They wintered in Lake Havasu, Arizona for 15 years, where they made new friends and enjoyed a busy social life in the sun. Karen loved to laugh and nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, making memories together. Karen passed away surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at her home in Tyler at 79 years, 11 months and 26 days.

Karen was a member of Russell Presbyterian Church, where she was baptized and confirmed. She taught Sunday school for many years and served on Session. She especially wanted her children to have a strong foundation in faith.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Darrel Johnson of Tyler; four children, Todd (Carol) Johnson of Russell, LeAnn Sanderson of Yukon, Oklahoma, Brent (Vonnie) Johnson of Balaton, Minnesota and Lori (Bryan) Martin of Prior Lake, Minnesota; ten grandchildren, Brandon (Laurie) Johnson, Alissa (Kole) Henkel, Spencer (Brooke) Kor, Corbin (David) Babb, Jada and Alayna Sanderson, Mason (Holly) Johnson, Morgan (Kyle) Steineke, Brooke (Brock) Cadwallader and Mitchell (Sanika) Martin; 19 great-grandchildren, Kolt, Elliot, Addy, Asa, Aura, Ava, Kroix, Jayden, Oaklyn, River, Branch, Odin, Delta, Baker, Lola, Bregan, Kaylee and Suede; and baby Johnson due in July, six siblings, Marian Livingston of Russell, Marlo (Cece) Williams of Russell, Arden Williams of Russell, Richard Williams of Russell, Mick (Arlene) Williams of Tyler, and Steve (Elise) Williams of Lynd, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two nieces, Wendy Lustfield and Missy Janssen; two nephews, Chad Livingston and Mark Williams; two sisters-in-law, Melanie Williams and Aloa Williams; a brother-in-law, Wayne Livingston, father- and mother-in-law, Martin and Viola Johnson; brothers-and sisters-in-law; and ten nieces and nephews on the Johnson side.

Overflow space will be available at the Russell Town Hall where a livestream of the service will be broadcast.