Charlene Mildred Johnson

Charlene Mildred Johnson, 97, Detroit Lakes, passed peacefully to her loving Lord on Friday, September 2, 2022 at Oak Crossing Nursing Center in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

Charlene was born November 17, 1924 to Charles and Esther (Lee) Livingood, the middle child of 13 children. She graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1942. She married Arnold (Woody) Johnson in 1944 and lived on the Johnson family homestead in rural Detroit Lakes before moving to town, then Fergus Falls, Alexandria, and finally back to Detroit Lakes where they owned the Castaway Motel and Resort for 20 years. Charlene also ran Charlene’s Wedding Service.

Charlene was very creative and loved people. Her home was always filled with guests enjoying coffee, homemade treats and good stories. She had a strong faith that she shared with all. She was active in her churches. She wrote, directed, and made costumes for church celebrations at Bakke and Trinity Lutheran. She sang in their choirs, attended Circles and was a faithful member. She enjoyed performing in the Sweet Adeline singing group. She was in charge of the Detroit Lakes Bicentennial Production in 1976. She was known for her theme parties for friends and relatives, complete with costumes, backdrops, props, and games. They were an adventure for everyone and made her happy.

Charlene will be missed by her children; Michael (Judy), Marcia (Jarl), David (Deb), Donald (Anne), and daughter-in-law Gayle (Neal), her 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, sister, Marlys Brahmer and brother, Harlan Livingood, and sisters-in-law Ellie Livingood and Phyllis Livingood.

Charlene is preceded in death by her husband, Woody; son, Ben; her parents, Charles and Esther Livingood; brothers, Edwin, Lester, Leonard, Curtis, Dean, and Marlyn (Dale); and sisters, Gladys Voxland, Alice Storm, Myrtle Jacobson and Vernes Jacobson.

A Memorial Service will be on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 11:00 AM
Bakke Lutheran Church
27492 Highway 32, Detroit Lakes, MN.
Visitation will be one hour prior to service.
Luncheon will follow the service at church.

Arrangements are in the care of West-Kjos Funeral Home of Detroit Lakes, MN.