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Obituary for Edna V. Lawson
Edna Viola Lawson of Luck, Wisconsin Born: 2-24-1916 Death: 3-31-2017
Heaven gained a beautiful soul on Friday, March 31, 2017. Edna Viola (Johansen) Lawson left our world to dance with God's angels. She created a legacy for all who knew her to remember. Her presence in all of our lives will be deeply missed. We will remember you as our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and long-time friend. The memories you created with us all will live on.
Edna Viola (Johansen) Lawson was born on February 24, 1916 to Nels and Helga Johansen. She was preceded in death by four brothers: Laurel (Jessie) Johansen, Myron (Doris) Johansen, Milo (Evelyn) Johansen and Stanley Johansen. Edna was also preceded in death by her husband, Meredith "Bud" Lawson and her son, Terrance Lawson.
Edna's story is deeply rooted in the community of Luck, Wisconsin. Her grandparents, Peder and Ane Marie Johansen survived a perilous journey on the Thingvalla ship from Denmark. Their arrival here would mark the beginning of a family that until Friday, was five generations strong.
As a child, Edna attended Lincoln School for grades 1-8. She attended Luck High School and graduated in 1932. After graduation, she held a nanny job at Half Moon Lake caring for five children. She also worked for the County Agent's Office in Balsam Lake as a bookkeeper.
On July 31, 1938, Edna married Meredith "Bud" Lawson at St. Peter's Lutheran Church at North Luck. Together they raised three children: Sandra Solheim (John), Terry Lawson (Barbara) and James Lawson (Patty). During this time, Edna worked with Bud in a thriving Lawson Grocery Store until it was sold because of Bud's challenging health.
Edna had a passion for caring for people. After they sold Lawson Grocery, Edna decided to take a Nurse's Aide course in Frederic and worked at the hospital and nursing home there. The next course of Edna's journey had been set. In 1966, Edna became the administrator of the Luck Pioneer Nursing Home where she remained until 1986 when she retired.
Retirement did not stop any of Edna's passions for connecting with people. 1987 began her career of volunteering her time, love and services. She became a member of the St. Croix Valley Health Care Foundation. In 2002, she was awarded the Health Advocate Award for volunteerism.
Edna's accomplishments and contributions have been many. She lived her life adhering to values instilled in her as a child. Those values were modeled every day in the work she did for and with others. Her friendships were deeply meaningful to her. Most of all, the values she held for family were strong. Edna showed her family how to love unconditionally. She showed us the strength we gain when we belong to each other.
Edna, sister, sister-in-law, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, you will be remembered with love. Thank you for staying with us as long as you did. Our lives will be forever changed because you were here.
Edna's family would like to extend a deep thank you to the United Pioneer Home and staff for your caring attention of Edna during her stay. Your presence and direction helped her final moments pass with dignified grace.
Edna leaves 10 grandchildren: Mary Solheim, Kathleen Kowalke, Michelle Lynch, Susan Marshall and Micheal Solheim, Sarah Lawrence, Becky Klima, Adam Lawson, David and P.J. Hoskinson, plus 17 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her daughter-in-law, Barbara Lawson and sister-in-law, Helen Johansen.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the United Pioneer Home, Luck Lutheran Church or the Smile Train. Information for the Smile Train can be located at www.smiletrain.org.
Visitation will be held at the Rowe Funeral Home in Luck on Wednesday, April 5th from 4 to 6:00 p.m.
The Funeral Service for Edna will be held at Luck Lutheran Church on Thursday, April 6th – visitation at church will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the service following at 11:00 a.m. Edna will be laid to rest at the Luck Village Cemetery following the service.
You are invited to leave condolences, memories and photos at www.rowefh.com . Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Luck, 715-472-2444.
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