Mayvis K. Johnson

April 16, 1923 – December 28, 2019

Mayvis K. Johnson, 96, Northwood, passed away Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019 at the Lutheran Retirement Home, Northwood, surrounded by her family. A funeral service was held Friday, Jan. 3, 2020, at Silver Lake Lutheran Church, , Northwood, with Reverend Randy Baldwin officiating. Burial was held in Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood. Those wishing to give a memorial in her memory may wish to consider memorial contributions be made to Silver Lake Lutheran Church or the Northwood Fire Department.
Mayvis Katherine Honsey was born April 16, 1923 at the family home near Lake Mills, the daughter of Selmer and Ingeborg (Knutson) Honsey. She was baptized and confirmed at Lime Creek Church, rural Emmons, Minn.
Growing up on the family farm, Mayvis attended rural schools until eighth grade, graduating from Emmons High School in 1940. It was shortly after, she married the love of her life, Gilman Johnson, Aug. 23, 1942, at Lime Creek Lutheran Church, rural Emmons, Minn. The two made their home west of Northwood and were blessed with daughters, Marilyn and Janie.
Together they farmed for over 50 years, before building a home in Northwood in 1988. Mayvis worked at the Northwood Anchor for many years, later working at Welsh Chiropractic as a secretary, until her retirement.
Mayvis was an active, faithful member of Silver Lake Lutheran Church. For many years she passed on her faith by teaching Sunday School. She found joy in quilting and handy works, which were utilized for numerous mission projects. Her handy work and talents were shared with her family through various hand embroidered pieces gifted with love. Mayvis was a longtime member of the Semper Fidelis Study Club. Most of all, family was Mayvis’ greatest love. She was a cherished mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and mother-in-law – her kindness, compassion and love will be missed forever.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children: Marilyn Severson and Janie (Roger) Odegaard, all of Northwood; her grandchildren: Randy Severson, Mason City; Scott (Tammy) Severson, Ryan (Jeri) Severson, Mark Severson, Lisa (Barry) Wangsness, and Bryan (Kimberly) Odegaard, all of Northwood; great-grandchildren: Hailee Erlandson, Northwood; Colby (Samantha) Severson, Mason City; Lauren Severson and fiancé Anthony Welty, Blake (Hannah) Severson, Brandon Severson, Carter Severson, and Erika Heideman and special friend, Jackson Hertel, all of Northwood; great-great grandchildren: Harrisyn, Carter, Mackenzie, and Courtney; siblings: Beverly (Maynard) Bidne, Albert Lea, Minn.; and Harris (LeAnn) Honsey, Lake Mills; beloved friend, Karen Belville; as well as several nieces, nephews, and other extended family members and friends.
Mayvis was preceded in death by her husband, Gilman, in 2015; parents; son-in-law, Lee Severson; siblings: Stella, Clinton, Homer, Palma, Delores, and Spencer; Gilman’ s siblings: Gladys, Glenn, Arnold and Janiece; as well as numerous extended family members.

Lake Mills Graphic

204 N. Mill Street
Lake Mills, IA 50450

Office Number: (641) 592-4222
Fax Number: (641) 592-6397

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