Funeral services for Helen R. Johnson will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Zion Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. Matthew Lehman will officiate. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea and one hour before services at the church.

Helen died peacefully Saturday, June 29, 2019, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester. She was 86.

She was born Oct. 19, 1932, in Albert Lea, the daughter of Ray and Alma (Erickson) Hoffman. Helen graduated from high school and then was united in marriage to Richard W. Johnson on Nov. 11, 1950. In addition to raising their four children — Kristi, Kevin, Gary and Paul — Helen worked alongside her husband as a bookkeeper at Johnson Heating and Air Conditioning.

Strong in her faith, Helen was active in Zion Lutheran Church, where she was in the Martha circle, the church choir and often served as lector.

Helen had many interests and hobbies. She enjoyed reading, snowmobiling, camping, traveling, following the Minnesota Twins and an occasional trip to Diamond Jo Casino. Although very humble, Helen was smart as a whip and a whiz at “Jeopardy!” and crossword puzzles. Her greatest enjoyment came from spending time with family and friends.

Helen will be greatly missed by her family, including children Kristi (Ed) LaPointe of Rockport, Texas, Kevin (Chris) Johnson of Beaver Lake, Gary S. Johnson of North Mankato and Paul (Jeanette) Johnson of Albert Lea; grandchildren Steve Christiansen of Wayzata, Ashley (Tim) Donovan of San Antonio, Texas, Nicole Schumaker of Beaver Lake, Chad (Megan) Toft of Forest Lake, Jennifer (Gregg) Ewing of Eagan, Mark (Ellen) Johnson of Beaver Lake, Ashley Johnson of Mankato, Alex Johnson of Minneapolis, Joel (Shannon) Johnson of Pine Island, Andy Johnson (Tasha Nielsen) of Albert Lea and Ben Johnson (Maizong Vue) of North St. Paul; grandson-in-law, Davy Tyler, of Ingleside, Texas; 17 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard, in 1996; granddaughter, Jenna LaPointe; and grandson-in-law, Todd Schumaker.

Helen was small in stature, but mighty in spirit and faith. Blessed be her memory.