Gretchen Donna Mae Johnson

Gretchen Donna Mae Johnson, passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the Meeker Manor in Litchfield, MN at the age of 89 years old, surrounded by her family.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 1 PM at the Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield, MN.

Visitation will take place one hour prior to the Memorial Service on Wednesday.

Gretchen was born on April 4, 1934 in Granite Falls, MN to Ole and Alvina (Just) Engebretson. She was referred to as the “miracle baby” weighing just one pound four ounces at birth. She was baptized and confirmed during her youth. Gretchen graduated from Mound High School in 1952. She worked for a few different factories, but was mainly a stay-at-home mother.

Gretchen married Donald Gueningsman and they had two children, Joanne and Gary. Gretchen later married Gordan Krause and they also had two children, Joyce and Jennifer. Her final marriage was with Robert Johnson, where she was blessed with two step-children, Holly and Gary. She resided in Cokato, MN for many years before moving back to Granite Falls. She later moved to Watkins, MN for a short time before moving back to Litchfield for her remaining years.

She always had trouble with her vision but was able to teach herself how to play the piano and the organ by listening to a song and playing it by ear. She was in a band with her family and friends for years and loved talking about it with others. She played in church when she was younger as well. Gretchen loved taking camping trips with the girls while they were growing up. She enjoyed showing her children all of her favorite spots and going to the museum where her father’s family has pictures and a Model T displayed. She also loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren or any child for that matter. She welcomed all children as she was a child at heart.

Gretchen is survived by her children, Joanne McCall, Gary Gueningsman, Joyce (Roger) Arends, Jennifer (Gary) Friauf; Grandchildren, Vanessa, Tammy, Jamie, Crystal, Gary Jr., Trevor, Travis, Tyler, Britny (James), Nichole, Kelsey (Fiancé Taylor), Jayden, McKenna and eight and a half great-grandchildren.

Gretchen is proceeded in death by her parents, Ole and Alvina Engebretson; Sister, Orda Pool; Brother, baby boy; half sister, Blanch; and other relatives.