LaVerne Kathleen Johnson, 80, Minot, formerly of the Makoti area, died Monday, January 27, 2014 in a Minot nursing home.

LaVerne was born April 1, 1933 on the family farm near Makoti, North Dakota the daughter of Marvin and Alice (Tollefson) Huus. She was raised on the family farm and attended school in Wabek for eight years before attending Makoti High School. In 1948, the family moved to Minot, where she graduated from Minot High School in 1951.

LaVerne was employed by Northwestern Bell Telephone Company for two years as a long distance operator before moving to Seattle, Washington, where she was employed by Kenworth Motor Truck Company for two years as a receptionist. She returned to Minot, where she was employed by Midwest Federal Savings and Loan.

LaVerne was united in marriage to Robert E. "Bob" Johnson on October 20, 1956 in Minot. They made their home in Minot for five years before moving to Minneapolis, Alaska, Montana and Colorado. They returned to Minot in 1972 and she rejoined Midwest Federal Savings and Loan where she was a secondary loan processor until she retired in 1991. She worked part -time as a transcriptionist at Trinity Hospital and as a receptionist at Thomas Family Funeral Home for many years. Bob died on February 10, 1999.

LaVerne was a longtime member of Bethel Free Lutheran Church in Minot, where she was active with the choir, Women's Missionary Federation(WMF), bible studies and various other activities. She enjoyed reading, camping, fishing, traveling and visiting with friends.

Her loving family includes , brother, Ordean (Judy) Huus, Minot, step-children, Greg (Sue) Johnson, Denver, CO, Doug (KumSun) Johnson, Seattle, WA and Jeff (Susan) Johnson, Leawood, KS; step-grandchildren, Ryan, Marianna, Jackie and Jennifer; aunt, Clarice Weigel, Minot and uncle, Carrol Tollefson, several niece, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Funeral service: Friday, January 31, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in Bethel Free Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot
Visitation: Thursday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials : In lieu of plants and flowers, the family prefers memorials to Bethel Free Lutheran Church or an organization of the donor's choice.
Those wishing to sign the online memorial register or share memories and condolences are invited to use the expressions of sympathy section at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com.