Lois Christine (Petersen) Johnson, 82, of Dodge Center, MN passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Mayo Clinic St. Mary's Campus in Rochester, MN.
Lois was born on March 7, 1942, to Emil and LaVanche (Broden) Petersen, in Fertile, MN, where she grew up on the family farm, the fourth of eight daughters. In Lois’s own words: “I loved the farm! We worked in the house, the yard and the fields. I played, raised pets and rode my horse, Tex. We ate organic food and we repurposed/recycled; but those were unknown words then. When I was eight, the births of the four younger sisters began and I did a lot of playing with and caring for them.”
Lois was a tri-valedictorian of her high school class, participating in music and speech activities, including the debate team. She completed her BS degree at the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management, where she graduated with high distinction. After graduation, she managed the U of M Carlson School of Management Computer Center and was a systems analyst in Geislingen, Germany. Upon her return to the United States, she began a 23-year career in bank operations and technology with First Bank System in Minneapolis/St. Paul, culminating with the title of Senior Vice President. Recognized by the YWCA as the Outstanding Woman Business Leader in St. Paul, her other professional distinctions included serving as chair of several American Bankers Association committees as well as committees for the U.S. Treasury Department, Federal Reserve Board, and the U.S. Congressional Office of Technology Assessment.
She moved to the West Coast as Executive Vice President at Puget Sound Bank of Washington. Prior to her return to Minnesota, she was a consultant in information technology for Weyerhaeuser Corporation. In 1997, she retired and joined her husband, Lowell, in Johnson Construction Equipment, with offices in Guam and in Dodge Center, MN.
Lois was also very active in volunteerism and the arts. Her liberal activism included supporting the goals of Martin Luther King, Jr., protesting the Vietnam War, striving for Equal Rights for Women and Protecting the Environment. She participated in political campaigns and served as a State Convention delegate. While living in Rochester she was active in Mayo Hospice, Hiawatha Homes for Developmentally Disabled, and Paws and Claws Humane Society; she co-operated the Johnson Cat Shelter. She was a member of the Rochester Music Guild Board, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester and Faith Lutheran Church in Dodge Center.
Lois loved to travel, touring all seven continents and camping around the Mediterranean Sea.
Lois’ greatest joy in life was spending time with people. She was interested in everyone, kept the family history, remembered birthdays and anniversaries and commemorated holidays with Advent Calendars, Christmas ornaments and cards. She made an effort to visit friends and family, attend special events and was a great encourager to everyone she knew.
Lois is survived by her children Erik (Junko) Martin, Rosemount, MN and Earl (Jocelyn Mason) Martin, Thousand Oaks, CA; grandchildren Emika (Kori Battista), Arthur (Amanda Kirberger), Nathaniel and Teresa Martin; sisters Dorothy Poffenberger, Detroit Lakes, MN, Janice (John) Lemley, Bakersfield, CA, Kathie Barnes, Crookston, MN, Elaine (Larry) Erdahl, Fertile, MN, Sharon (Gary) Olson, Lindenhurst, IL, and Shirley (Peter) Dalgaard, Blaine, MN; sister-in-law, Janet Johnson, Rochester, MN, and nieces and nephews: Debbie Dressen, Gary (Renee) Johnson, Joey (Mike) Devitt, Terri (David) Hutchinson, Traci (Charlie) Olson, Jay (Amber) Poffenberger, Jon (Karen) Poffenberger, Marlana Lemley, Brian (Susan) Carlson, Lori Carlson, Jana (Paul) Hedland, Alicia (Cory) Schumacher, Katie (Matt) Kern, Kent (Erin) Erdahl, Ranelle (Pat) Block, Bobby (Dana) Olson, Nathan (Sara) Olson, Nina (Matt) Fisk and Peter (Mallory) Dalgaard Jr., and their families; several cousins and many friends.
Lois is preceded in death by her parents, husband Lowell, grandson Sheen Martin, sister Clarette Johnson, brothers-in-law Roger Johnson, Dale Poffenberger, Frank Barnes and Larry Johnson, nephews Kevin Johnson and Dan Dressen, niece Maria Lemley and great-niece Emilee Olson.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Church, 308 2nd Street NW in Dodge Center, MN with Pastor Cheryl Indehar officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. A time for food and fellowship will be held at the church following the service. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Riverside Cemetery in Dodge Center, MN.
To share a special memory or send condolences please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.comCzaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 25 South Street, Dodge Center, MN 55927 (507)374-2155. May her memory be a blessing.
