Johnna Friesth

Services will be 2:00 PM on Monday, January 6, 2025, at the Tompkins Celebration Center at Friendship Haven with Chaplain Denise Halverson officiating. Burial will be in the North Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Monday at the Tompkins Celebration Center. The Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements.

Johnna was preceded in death by her husband, Elliott; her parents, LeRoy and Grace (Schroeder) Lowder; and her siblings Mary Lowder Odell and William Lowder; great-grandson, Hayden Hellman (Rachel and Spencer Hellman). She is survived by her children Robert Friesth of Des Moines, IA; Martha Butzier of San Jose, CA; Anne Starr (Bart) Clive, IA; and Grant Friesth (Diane) West Des Moines, IA. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them.

Johnna was born on Christmas Day, 1930 and lived in Humboldt, IA during her childhood, graduating from Humboldt High School in 1949. Johnna and Elliott raised their family in Humboldt. Johnna worked in the home as a seamstress, sewing draperies and window treatments for Sears and Ethan Allen. Following Elliott’s death in a work accident in July of 1969, Johnna enrolled in college and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in library science and a minor in English. Johnna was the school librarian in the Central Webster School District, Burnside location, until her retirement in 1993. She was a supporter of school sporting events as well as serving as staff advisor for the Central Webster Yearbook for many years. Johnna loved learning and learners.

Johnna recalled having had a strong faith since her childhood years. As an adult, Johnna was involved in Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Humboldt and later at St Olaf Lutheran in Fort Dodge. She served on the Church Council, played in the Bell Choir, and chaired the funeral committee for more than 20 years. She believed service demonstrated the Lord’s love. Her family recalls her hammering out hymns on the piano in her living room when she was troubled by something; rejoicing was an antidote to strife.

Johnna spent 20 years on the Fort Dodge Community Health Center Board as an advocate for consumers. She was a member of the Hawkeye Community Theater troupe where she performed in plays and served on the board of directors. Johnna volunteered for IRIS, reading the newspaper and books for the blind. She swam several days a week at the Fort Dodge YMCA, teaching herself how to swim in her 40s. Johnna was a long-time member of PEO, a women’s organization supporting the empowerment of women through education.

Johnna enjoyed playing bridge, sewing, calligraphy and scrapbooking, genealogy, reading, and all sports activities. It was not unusual for Johnna to be heard saying she was mystified that anyone could ever be bored.

Johnna enjoyed the company of many friends during her time on this earth, some who have gone on before her. In the time she spent at Friendship Haven she was surrounded by a wonderful community of women and caring staff.

Her secret to life was gratitude.

Johnna’s family asks that all memorial gifts be made to Friendship Haven. She was so very appreciative of the quality of life she enjoyed there.