Verneal Linnea Johnson, age 93 of Ellsworth WI, died on Sunday May 12, 2019 at her home, surrounded by the love of family. Verneal was born April 17, 1926 in Vasa MN to parents Reinhold and Irene (Anderson) Ekstrom. On November 28, 1942 in Red Wing MN, Verneal would be united in marriage to LeRoy Kenneth Johnson. Their union in marriage would be blessed with eleven children, and three generations of grandchildren.

Verneal was a homemaker and a farm wife who was known for her fresh baked bread. She adored her family, and embraced the title of “Grandma J”, serving as a loving grandma for her family, and for many others as well. Verneal always kept active through church and her faith, serving with the Ladies Aide, teaching Sunday School and Bible School, and being involved with numerous other church activities. Verneal loved the Senior Center, and selling boxed greeting cards. Verneal leaves a legacy of love, and will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

Verneal is survived by her children, DeLoris (Lorin) Bloomstrand, Dennis (Kathy) Johnson, Ronny (Pam) Johnson, Linnea (Robert) Soden, Janice Alms-Kearns, Jerome (Loni) Johnson, Karol (Nolan) Kenall, Brenda (Gary) Huppert, Marlyce “Myo” (Mark) Bayer, Lisa (Dennis) Boettcher, and Linden Johnson; 31 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; her brother, Kermit (Maxine) Ekstrom; sister-in-law, Phyllis Ekstrom; stepbrother, Wayne (Rose) Schaar; step sisters; Alana (Dave) Hauschildt and Pamela (Gordon) Knutson, as well as many other relatives and good friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy Johnson; grandson Troy Donley; great-grandsons Thomas Skordahl and Derek Donley; her parents; infant sister, Ardis; and brother, Virgil Ekstrom; step father, Raymond Schaar.

Funeral Services for Verneal Johnson will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at the English Lutheran Church, 229 W Main Street in Ellsworth. Rev. Mike Knudson will officiate. Visitation will take place on Friday from 4:00-7:00pm at the church, and also one hour prior to services on Saturday morning. A private family burial will take place at the Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery. Services are in the care of the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth WI. 715-273-4421