93
September 4
Sioux Falls
Irene Raabe was born to Harry and Myrtle (Kramer) Raabe on December 13, 1926, on a farm near Montrose. She weighed in at 11 pounds, joining her infant brother Eugene. Gene’s twin sister died shortly after birth. Irene attended country school for six years and completed her education and graduated from Montrose High as Salutatorian in 1945. That fall she moved to Sioux Falls.
After several short-term jobs, she began working for Crescent Electric where she met her future husband Arlen Johnson. They dated off and on for over two years (she was Catholic and he was Lutheran). She later worked with Gourley Distributing and the City Auditors’ office. She retired at the age of 62.
Irene joined the Lutheran Church and the couple were married on June 29, 1951, at Benton Lutheran Church, rural Renner. Their first real home was at 407 W. 30th St. in Sioux Falls, where their three children, Marcia, Dave and Bill grew up. After 33, they moved to 732 Columbia Drive, and 17 years later they moved to a condo at 1647 S. Cleveland. Arlen preceded her in death in 2009.
Irene was active in PTA at Mark Twain grade school and St. Mark Lutheran Church. In 1960 she joined Beta Sigma Phi where she developed a close relationship with many of the women whom she considered her dearest friends. She also enjoyed cross stich, reading, walks and playing Mahjong.
Grateful for having shared her life are her children, Marcia Johnson, Sioux Falls, David Johnson, Billings, Mont., and Bill Johnson, Sioux Falls; her grandchildren, Mason (Trudy) Johnson, Sioux Falls, Scott (Taylor) Johnson, Denver, Colo., Jasmine Goldberg, Huson, Mont., Sadie (Matt) Plummer, Sioux Falls, Sarah (David) Bailey, Sioux Falls; great grandchildren, Mecca Ann Goldberg and Canyon Obermeier, Huson, Mont., Avery, Rilee Johnson and Jace Plummer, Sioux Falls; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Her parents, brother Eugene, infant sister, and granddaughter Carly Johnson also preceded her in death.
A funeral service was held September 8 at Miller Funeral Home, Sioux Falls, with burial Benton Lutheran Churchyard Cemetery.
Arrangements provided by Miller Funeral Home.