In Memoriam: Arlene Helen (Iverson) Johnson
We pray for the family and friends of Arlene Helen (Iverson) Johnson—widow of the Rev. Ken Johnson—who passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on August 1, 2024, in Phoenix Arizona.
Arlene was born on March 26, 1931, in Lakota, North Dakota and moved to Seattle, Washington in 1943 where she graduated from Queen Anne High School in 1948 and then went on to graduate from the University of Washington in 1953.
Arlene is survived by her loving family, Pam (Chuck) Winfrey, Greg (Holly) Johnson, and Jeff (Kris) Johnson; grandchildren, Bryan (Elyse) Winfrey, Christopher (Tracy) Winfrey, Stephen (Rowena) Johnson, Nicholas (Layla) Johnson, Joelle Johnson, Amanda Johnson and Abby Johnson; great-grandchildren, Gavin Ribeau, Gracie Winfrey, Lincoln Winfrey, Kennedy Winfrey and Colton Winfrey. She is also survived by her sister, Beverly (Ted) Bergstrom, and nephews, John Evans, Steve Evans, Scott Bergstrom and Eric Bergstrom. Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Ken Johnson, her parents, George and Evelyn Iverson, and her sister, Ione Evans.
Arlene embraced her role as a homemaker, creating a warm and welcoming home for her family. She served as church secretary at Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix from 1979-1996. Her life was marked by her unwavering support to her husband’s pastoral work, embodying the role of a pastor’s wife with grace and resilience. They served congregations in St. Helens, Oregon;Portland, Oregon and Phoenix, Arizona.
A service to celebrate Arlene’s life will be held on October 5th, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Mountain View Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee, located at 11002 S. 48th St, Phoenix, AZ 85044. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Arlene’s memory to Mountain View Lutheran Church.
“O God of grace and glory, we remember before you our sister, Arlene Johnson. We thank you for giving her to us to know and to love as a companion in our pilgrimage on earth. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see that death has been swallowed up in the victory of our Lord, Jesus Christ, so that we may live in confidence and hope until, by your call, we are gathered to our heavenly home in the company of all your saints; through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.”
