Florence June Johnson, 88, of Preston, passed away February 7, 2022, at Cottagewood Senior Communities in Rochester.
Florence was born June 1, 1933, in rural Houston, Minn., to Orvin and Martha (Eliason) Benson. Florence attended school in a one room schoolhouse through grade school, then tested out of eighth grade and started ninth grade in Houston, graduating high school from Houston High School. She met her husband Richard and they became engaged on Valentine’s Day, 1951, marrying on June 17, 1951. Florence was a stay-at-home mom, raising her three daughters and six sons. Florence and Richard farmed in the Rushford-Peterson area for many years. They moved to Idabel, Okla., in 1979 before returning to Minnesota and settling in Preston. Florence entered the workforce at Mayo Clinic at the age of 50, working in housekeeping for the next 15 years. Florence enjoyed raising her family, gardening, baking, canning, crocheting, crossword puzzles, and playing Scrabble on Sundays. Florence was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Preston, Minn., where she participated in numerous groups and circles over the years. She was a kind and loving woman, always giving of herself, and was very proud of her family.
Florence is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Richard, children Nancy (Terry) Driscoll, Scott (Celia), Connie Snyder, Jon (Sharon), Diane (Don) Mitchell, Tom (Marcia), Mark (Becky), Tim (Kari), and Brad (Sandy); 29 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Clara Krejci, and many nieces and nephews.
Florence was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Eva, Liela, and Dorothy; her brother Ralph, and granddaughter Jessica.
Memorials may be directed to Christ Lutheran Church, Preston, in memory of Florence.
Rochester Cremation Services are handling the arrangements.
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