Funeral services for Irene Johnson, age 92, of Leith, ND will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 16, 2012 at the Bethel Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Carson, ND. Rev. Paul Ferrie will officiate and burial will be in the Leith Cemetery.


Special music will be provided by Lyle Zimmerman, Rollie and Patti Hruza, Tana Zimmerman, and Ashley Berry.


Serving as casketbearers are Russell Werner, Robb Werner, Christopher Schuler, Rollie Hruza, Weston Wells, Calvin Berry, Quinten Hedlin, Irvin Werner, Rayman and Gene Zimmerman.

All of Irene's grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends and neighbors are Honorary Casketbearers.


IRENE BRANDT was born February 11, 1920 on a farm southeast of Carson, ND to Elmer and Nettie (Sorbo) Brandt. She grew up on the farm and attended all 12 years of school at Thain School. Irene worked for the Civil Service before marrying Howard after he returned home from the service.


Irene was united in marriage to Howard Johnson on March 21, 1948 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bismarck. During their first year of marriage they stayed in Bismarck where Howard worked for Texaco. The following spring they moved to the farm at Leith, ND that Howard's parents, Alfred and Anna had lived since Howard was six years old.


Irene kept busy raising four girls. She loved flowers and always had a beautiful rock garden. Irene wrote the Leith news for several years and has also done many beautiful paintings her family enjoys.


Irene and Howard enjoyed many trips together and Irene will be greatly missed by family and friends who will cherish all the wonderful memories.


Irene joined her loving husband Howard on Monday morning, November 12, 2012.


Grateful for having shared her life are her three daughters, Judy (Irvin) Werner, Flasher, ND, Patti (Rollie) Hruza, Dayton, WY and Tana (Gene) Zimmerman, Leith, ND; eight grandchildren, Tanya, Russ, Robb, Christopher, Hailey, Ashley, Weston and Rayman; and eight great-grandchildren, Kaci, Derrik, Jaden, Emma, Tyler, Hallie, Jorden and Mason; 1 brother-in-law, Carl Condon, Bismarck, ND; 1 nephew, Don (Barb) Brandt, Stillwater, MN.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Howard, her daughter, Susan Johnson; her parents, 1 brother, Elroy Brandt, and 1 sister, Myrtle Condon.


Visitation with the family present will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 15, at the Evanson-Jensen Funeral Home in Elgin, ND and one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday morning.