GILMA JOHNSON obituary

Gilma M. Johnson, 84, died Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2004, at an adult care facility in Auburn, Wash.

Viewing will be 4 to 6 p.m. today at the Holland & Bonine Funeral Home. Her funeral will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at the First Lutheran Church with the burial to follow at the Highland Cemetery. A fellowship luncheon will be held at the church immediately after the services at the graveside.

Gilma was born March 22, 1920, to Andreas and Cora Finstad in

Strum, Wis. She was raised and educated in Strum. After graduating from high school, Gilma attended the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire

to study elementary education. She graduated with her teaching certificate and then began teaching at various country schools in Wisconsin. She then taught for the Augusta, Wis., Public School system until 1953.

In 1953 Gilma moved with her husband and daughter to Havre, where Gilma taught at Devlin and Highland Park schools. She taught second and third grade. Gilma retired from teaching in 1981. Gilma attended Northern Montana College and continued her education and received her bachelor's degree in education. She then went on to obtain her master's degree. Gilma was always involved in school in one way or another.

Gilma was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority, Son's of Norway and Retired Teachers Association. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church and was very involved in the church in many ways.

Gilma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Melvin Johnson, in 2001; and brother, Sylvester Finstad, in 1976.

Survivors include her daughter, Mary Gregory of Auburn, Wash.; grandchildren, Mike Gregory and Laurie Ulrich, both of Auburn, Wash.; and three great-grandchildren.

Memorials in Gilma's honor may be made to a memorial of one's choice.

Services and arrangements are under the direction of Holland & Bonine Funeral Home