Margaret E. Johnson, age 89 of Washburn, ND passed away on Monday, January 10th, 2011 at the Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center in Bismarck following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Funeral Services will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, Jan. 15th at First Lutheran Church in Washburn with Pastor Rebecca Aardahl officiating.

Interment will take place at a later date at the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Washburn.

Visitation will be held from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM Friday at Goetz Funeral Home in Washburn and continue Saturday one hour prior to time of service at the church.

Margaret was born June 15, 1921 at Bremen, ND to Jacob & Mary (Look) Bettger. She lost her mother when she was 8 years old and was placed in several foster homes. She was often mistreated and eventually returned to live with her family.

Margaret married Melvin A. Johnson on April 8, 1942 in Washburn. They lived near Falkirk, Sitka, & Coleharbor, ND while Melvin worked on the construction of the Garrison Dam and area missile sites. In 1965, they returned to the Falkirk area to farm. Melvin passed away in 2000 and Margaret moved to an apartment in Washburn where she enjoyed being closer to friends and family.

Margaret enjoyed listening to music and singing. She is remembered for having a beautiful voice and would often sing to her children. In her later years, she suffered from hearing loss and people would often have to write to communicate with her. Margaret entertained herself by reading books and especially enjoyed reading about angels and small children. She also enjoyed crocheting and watching television (with captioning). She was a longtime member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Washburn. In recent years, Margaret looked forward to the brief visits of the Meals on Wheels volunteers and the Washburn Clinic home health care providers. Her brief stay at the Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center was surrounded by wonderful people who took excellent care of her and hospice workers that helped manage her discomfort.

She is survived by her children, Janice (Charles) Berget of Libby, MT, Elaine (Clayton) Carr of Washburn, Michael (Margaret) Johnson of Helena, MT, & Margo Johnson (Jefferson Collier) of Bismarck; 16 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, & 1 great-great granddaughter; one brother, Evenor Bettger of Mandan; and many nieces & nephews.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, one son (Denice), two daughters (Rebecca Stevahn & one infant daughter), one grandson (Alvin Johnson), and three sisters.