Catherine “Katie” L. Johnson, 79, of Motley, died June 2, 2010, at home.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. June 12, 2010 at Faith Lutheran Church, Staples. Burial will be at a later date.

Arrangements are with the Kline Funeral Home in Pequot Lakes.

Katie was born June 2, 1931, in Ord, Neb., to Jake and Martha Walahoski. In 1950, after graduation, Katie married Delyle Johnson. They were together 60 years. She was a nurse and caregiver. In 1955, after moving from Colorado to Minnesota, she worked at the Staples Hospital until 1963, when Dr. Ted Lewica opened the Lakewood Clinic and Katie became his right hand. In 1966, Dr. William Mennis came to Staples and she worked beside him for 29 years. Through this relationship, the Lakewood Healthcare System began. After her retirement and diagnosis of her cancer, she served as a valuable asset on the hospital board for 12 years.

Katie loved life, a master at crocheting and a carpentry challenge.

Katie is survived by her husband; two sons, Jim (Kathy) Johnson of Nisswa; Jack Johnson of Fargo; one daughter, Jude Johnson of Motley; six grandchildren; eight greatgrandchildren; one brother, David Walahoski of Newman Grove, NE; one sister, Delores Chalupa of Omaha, NE; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and one infant brother, Raymond.