Constance G. "Connie" (Pederson) Johnson

After a long illness and surrounded by her loved ones, Constance “Connie” G. (nee Pederson) Johnson joined her Lord and Savior on March 2, 2019 at Westwood Nursing Home in Sioux City, IA. She was 84 years old.

Visitation and a memorial service will be held at Resurrection Lutheran Church, North Sioux City, SD on Tuesday, March 5th from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM.  A private funeral service will be held for family at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. 

Constance G. Johnson was born in 1934, in North Dakota, the daughter of Pastor Tobias and Gertrude (Loesch) Pederson.  The family moved to Jefferson City, MO and Akron, CO, where she was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in 1948.  She graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School in Seward, NE in 1952 and Concordia College with a degree in Elementary Education.  She met future husband Melburne (Mel) Johnson, in Bancroft, NE and they were married August 29th, 1957.  After living briefly in Minnesota, they settled in Nebraska where Connie taught at various local schools.  The couple had their first four children in Nebraska before moving to the Sioux City area in 1963 where they added three more.

She devoted her life to her family, her fellow man, and above all her faith.  She would strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, and in doing so touched the lives of countless people, and through the Holy Ghost, brought many to faith.  Always looking for opportunities to spread God’s word, she made numerous mission trips with her husband Mel to Nigeria, Kenya, and the Congo in Africa.  

A life-long member of the Lutheran Churches of the Reformation (LCR), Connie helped establish Dakota Lutheran School in North Sioux City and taught there for many years.  She was an accomplished organist that loved church chorale music, playing regularly for services and special events at Resurrection and Redeemer Lutheran Church in West Point, NE.  She shared that love with her children and grandchildren, teaching them vocal and instrumental skills.  Over 30 Sunday school children had the honor of having Connie as their baptismal sponsor.

She is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers. She is survived by her husband Melburne, and their children: Tamra Fakhoorian of Mayfield, KY, Mark Johnson of Sioux City, Teresa (Ken) Brown of Aurora, IL, Ruth Ann (Michael) Bowers of Janesville, WI, Valerie (Robb) McMullen of Roland, IA, Melanie (Michael) Hobbs of Sioux City, Kristin (Paul) Dacres and Jill Johnson of Sioux City; 40 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren as well as a sister and two brothers.

Special thanks to the administrator and staff at Westwood Specialty Care, Sioux City, IA for their loving care of her.

In Lieu of Flowers, Connie has requested any donations on her behalf to the LCR schools in the African Congo care of:

Mighty Fortress Lutheran Church

c/o Pastor John Marrs

8104 Sherman St.

Denver, CO 80221