UNASSUMING SERVANTS

Chisago County's 2008 Outstanding Seniors Lois and Walden Johnson don't volunteer to be recognized. They do it because they enjoy it.

"Walden and Lois Johnson are truly representative of the qualities of loving care and concern for others while going about it in a quiet and unassuming manner," said Phyllis Lindberg of North Branch.
It is because of this that she nominated the couple as the 2008 Outstanding Seniors for Chisago County. The Johnsons were given the award on Thursday, July 10, 2008 and will represent the county at the State Fair at the end of August.
PERSONALLY TOUCHED HER LIFE
Lindberg has known the North Branch couple for years, but they began to personally touch her life five years ago. When she needed a ride to her weekly hairdresser appointment, Lois volunteered to bring her. "She has been picking me up each Friday ever since," said Lindberg.
When her husband Carl couldn't be left alone, Walden stayed with him.
"This, I'm sure, is just one example of the many thing these two people have done for others," Lindberg added.
"I truly think they are worthy of being Chisago County Senior Citizens of 2008."
IT STARTED WITH MEALS ON WHEELS
The Johnsons have also been active in their church, but began volunteering outside of it about 12 years ago. Lois retired in 1995, and the two began delivering Meals on Wheels in 1996.
Lois noticed a blurb in their church bulletin that asked for help delivering meals to an individual with some mental issues who couldn't get out. "We started with him. After that we got quite a few more people on our route," said Lois. "We figured we had time to do that."
The two now deliver meals twice a week. Their route takes between one and one-half to two hours.
Lois has high praise for the Meals on Wheels program. "I think it's very valuable. A lot of people can stay home because of it. It's pretty hard to hire someone to stay with you."
Walden added that those delivering the meals are then able to check up on the participants and discover if there are problems.
A cell phone has come in handy many times while they make their rounds. Occasionally, they are given the wrong address, noted Walden. Once, they were told to turn at Hiawatha. When he called from the road, he learned it was actually Hemmingway, and they were just a block away.
Other times, they arrive at a home but the resident is nowhere to be found. A quick call usually solves the problem. Some people who are hard of hearing might not hear a visitor knock, but they can hear the telephone ring, noted Lois.
FAITHFUL CHURCH MEMBERS
Faithful church members, according to Immanuel Lutheran Church Pastor Brian Bergin, the Johnsons are involved in numerous activities, despite moving from Almelund to North Branch 20 years ago.
Both have been members of the property/building committee since 1994. They frequently serve as ushers, greeters and coffee servers. They also help assemble the monthly newsletter.
Lois is a member of the women's W.E.L.C.A. group and has served as a Circle Leader. She is also involved in the Immanuel Quilters, the Prayer Shawl Ministry and the library committee.
A former farmer, Walden assists as needed on projects inside and outside the church.
In the winter, he helps the youth group by cutting pine boughs for the holiday wreaths the kids make and sell.
Lois serves as treasurer for numerous entities, including the property/building committee and memorial fund; she also counts the weekly offering money. Outside her church, Lois is the treasurer for the Almelund Senior Citizens and the Chisago County Senior Center. The work builds upon the 45 years she spent managing the office of Fidelity Acceptance Corporation in Minneapolis.
"Somebody has to do it," Lois said about their tasks. "Once you start a job, it's yours until you either die or you refuse to do it."
GIVING BACK TO VETERANS
A veteran, Walden has long been active with the VFW in Lindstrom, the town where he grew up and lived until moving to Almelund in 1957.
He has held many positions there over the years, including Commander, and Quartermaster. Active in the Honor Guard, he attends the funerals of many veterans as part of the Honor Guard firing squad. Each year, he sells poppies, and on Memorial Day he visits six cemeteries.
Prior to its disbandment, Lois was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary.
The couple are active with the St. Peter's Cemetery Association in Dresser, Wis., which is where Lois grew up and her parents are buried.
REASON FOR SERVICE
"They contribute quietly as they go about their business of doing things for others," pointed out Lindberg.
"I think we get as much out of it as those that receive the help," said Lois. "It gives you a reason to get going."
Added Walden, "We just enjoy doing it."