Catherine Elaine Johnson, age 96, of Crookston, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026.

Cathy, as she was affectionately known throughout her life, was born in Crookston, MN, on November 2, 1929, the 3rd of five daughters of the union of Elmer and Gladys (Haugen) Erickson. She grew up with her sisters in a very loving home, and was baptized and confirmed in the Trinity Lutheran Church. After graduation from Crookston Central High School with the Class of 1948, she attended the School of Medical Technology in Minneapolis. After completing her coursework in 1949 she began working for the Crookston Clinic. On November 18, 1950 Cathy was united in marriage to Tosten M. "Toddy" Johnson in a ceremony held at the Trinity Lutheran Church. Toddy, a U.S. Navy veteran, was recalled to active duty in the spring of 1951 during the Korean War, and stationed at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Bremerton, WA. Cathy was able to join Toddy there. Following his honorable discharge in 1952 they returned to Crookston where they settled into busy lives while together raising their 2 children, son, Eric and daughter, Tobi. For several years Cathy was employed in the library of Highland Middle School.

Cathy and Toddy enjoyed spending as much time as they could at their Maple Lake home near Mentor, MN, where family and friends always received a warm welcom when visiting. The couple aslo enjoyed many winters in Scottsdale, AZ and making lots of new friends. Several winter vacations were enjoyed when the kids were younger making memories while skiing out west. Cathy and Toddy were devoted members of Trinity Lutheran Church and Cathy was very active in WELCA. Sadly, Toddy passed away on August 1, 2008.

Cathy dedicated her life to her family and nothing meant more to her than her roles as Wife, Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma. She is lovingly survived by her children and son-in-law, Eric of Maple Lake near Mentor, MN, and Tobi and Roger Sandiland of Helena, MT; 5 grandchildren: Megan Lane, Erica Sandiland, Patrick Sandiland, Ethan Johnson, and Kate Johnson; and 5 great-grandchildren. She also leaves 2 sisters, Maylu Einess of Sarasota, FL and Joan Erickson of Santa Cruz, CA; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Service details will be available at a later date.