Erlene Ruth Johnson

Erlene Ruth Johnson, age 71, began her journey to the spirit world on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 in Red Lake, MN.

Erlene was born on June 18, 1954 to Earl and Margaret (Ladybug) Johnson in Red Lake, MN.  She was raised in St Paul and Inver Grove Heights, MN. She loved her family, her pets and her job. Erlene was the “Mom” of our family. She was loving, humorous, caring and was devoted to living a good life. She gave good advice, but was quick to correct you if you needed it. Her laugh was contagious and joking around was among her favorite things to do. She will be remembered for her kind-hearted spirit. Most of her best times in life were spent with her family: her sons and grandchildren.

Greeting her in heaven are her parents, a daughter, her siblings, Mit and Jodi, aunties, uncles, two nephews, cousins, friends, Pesty “Two” and her beloved Hulk Hogan.

She is survived by her sons: Derek (Daphne) Johnson, Jerry and John; grandchildren: Patrick, Bruce “Bubs”, Breanna (Alvie), Khianna, Trinity, John Jr, Xzandria, Jaylah, JaNiyah, Zariah, Kiara, and many others; siblings: Brenda, Wendy, Bruce and Roselyn; close friend: Jerry Kingbird; uncle: Roman Stately; her pets: Sophie, Buster and Tippers; and many cousins and friends.

A wake will begin at 1PM on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at the Redby Center and will continue until the service at 1 PM on Saturday, September 6, 2025. Active Pallbearers will be Bruce Johnson, Derek Johnson, Jerry Johnson, John and John Jr Thayer, Bruce “Bubs” Johnson. Alternates will be Justice White and Anthony Morrison. Honorary Pallbearers will be Roberta Bellanger, Yolanda French, Rosalie Hill, Kathleen “Jo” Dudley, Shena Martin, Angela Charnoski, Jerry Kingbird, Dawn Schoenborn, Marisa Love, Daphne Sanchez, Clarice Applebee and the staff of IHS.  Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service, serving Northern Minnesota.

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