Helen L. Johnson, age 81, of Canby, MN, passed away Thursday, November 20, 2025 at the Sanford Canby Medical Center. Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 1, 2025 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Hope Lutheran Cemetery, Minneota, MN. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby is entrusted with the arrangements.
Helen L. Johnson was born in Stockton, California on March 7, 1944 to Francis and Dorcas Martin. She grew up in Tracy, California where she graduated from Tracy High School in 1962. She also had three stepbrothers and one stepsister from her mother’s first marriage. Helen met Arlon Johnson, their first date was at the local county fair, and they were married on November 2, 1963, in Tracy. They traveled to Minnesota for a wedding reception and in route they honeymooned in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Together they raised four children, Bob (Arlon’s son from his previous marriage), Deb, Francis and David. Helen and Arlon shared nearly 55 years before Arlon’s passing on August 13, 2018. In the fall of 1969, Helen and Arlon moved to a farm south of Canby, Minnesota. Helen’s first Minnesota winter was the unforgettable winter of 1969-1970. They began a farming partnership with Arlon’s brother, Dennis and Norma Johnson. Together they farmed and operated Johnson Bros. and Stein Trucking. Helen worked for many years at the local grocery store in downtown Canby. In the mid- 1980’s Helen & Arlon returned to California, settling in Brentwood where they started Arlon Johnson Woodworking. Helen worked at Mervyn’s Department store while they built their business. They remained in California until 2002, when they sold the business to their son Francis & Connie Johnson and retired to a cabin on Lake Cochrane, near Gary, South Dakota. Life at the lake brought Helen great joy. She became part of the Ladies of the Lake and spent Wednesday afternoons enjoying lunch and Canasta with friends. She joined the Red Hat Society and played bingo whenever she could. Summers at the lake were filled with family gatherings, July 4th celebrations, and pontoon rides that became cherished traditions. Helen and Arlon spent many winters in Mission, TX where time with family and friends meant more bingo, cards games and laughter. Helen also enjoyed traveling, with favorite trips to Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, the Black Hills, Graceland, Colorado and many places across California. Family was the center of Helen’s life. She made it a priority to attend her grandchildren’s events and celebrations, and she took pride in cheering them on. In 2015, Helen and Arlon moved to Canby, Minnesota. Helen was diagnosed with colon cancer in July 2024 and faced treatment with quiet strength and grace, always hoping for more time with the people she loved most. She remained in her home until May 2025 and then moved to an independent living apartment at Sanford Sylvan Place, a place she loved. Helen passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Sanford Canby Medical Center at the age of 81.
Helen is survived by her children: Deb (Richard) VanDerostyne of Canby, Minnesota; Francis (Connie) Johnson of Brentwood, California; and David Johnson of Fargo, North Dakota and Robin Kack-Johnson of Fargo, North Dakota; grandchildren: Taylor & Jake Ory, Makayla & Luke Bretschneider, Kolby & Loren Johnson, Emma Johnson, Olivia Johnson and Bradley Johnson; great grandson Henry Bretschneider; and a great grandchild expected in April. She was preceded in death by her parents Francis & Dorcas: husband Arlon; son, Bob and many other family and friends.
Those wishing to honor Helen’s memory may donate to Sanford Sylvan Place – Activities, 212 St. Olaf Ave. S., Canby, Minnesota 56220. Cards of sympathy may be sent to: Family of Helen Johnson, 505 Oscar Ave. N., Canby, MN 56220.
