Funeral services for Bertha Johnson, 94, of Ringsted, were held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church in Ringsted with Pastor Suzanne Wobig officiating. Interment was at Ringsted Memorial Cemetery, Ringsted. She died on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Valley Vue Care Center in Armstrong.
Visitation was Tuesday at the church in Ringsted.
Bertha Josephine (Naig) Johnson, the daughter of Bertel and Josie (Handeland) Naig, was born September 9, 1930, in Cylinder, Iowa.
Bertha grew up on a farm near Depew. She received her education and graduated from Emmetsburg High School. On February 25, 1951, she was united in marriage to Jerald “Sam” Johnson in Emmetsburg. The couple made their home and farmed in the Ringsted area for many years. Bertha also worked for Berkley’s in Emmetsburg, Weigh-Tronix in Fairmont, Minnesota and at Kitty’s Cafe and Bonnicksen’s Grocery Store in Ringsted.
She was a former member of St. John’s Lutheran Church where she served on various committees and is a current member of First Presbyterian Church in Ringsted. Bertha served on the Ringsted Library Board for many years. She was proud of her Norwegian Heritage and enjoyed making Norwegian delicacies, like lefse, kringla, kumla, and lutefisk for her family. Bertha kept herself busy crocheting and putting together puzzles, as well as taking care of her garden. She especially loved to spend her time with her family.
Left to cherish Bertha’s memory are her children, Jadell (Kristin) Johnson of Brownsburg, Indiana and Julie (Donnie) Laidig of Ringsted; five grandchildren, Jessica (Chris), Kendra (Jared), Kayla, Travis (Sommer), Tyson (Kimberly), Travis, and Zach (Janet); great-grandchildren, Samantha, Hannah, Marissa, Sydney (Alex), Raegan, Jace, Madelyn, Ava, Grayson, Eveie, and Vaya; and her sister-in-law, Darlene Naig and many relatives and friends.
She has been preceded in death by an infant son Jerald, Jr; husband, Jerald; parents Bertel and Josie; three brothers Berger, Joe, and Silas; eight half-brothers and seven half-sisters.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com.
