Esther Martha Johnson

Esther Martha Johnson, 88 of Carlton died Thursday, April 30, 2020 at Inter-Faith Care Center of natural causes. She was born in Cloquet on July 6, 1931 to Michael and Martha Tillman. She was the youngest of 6 children and raised on a small farm. She attended Cloquet School, lettering in volleyball. She was a member of Queen of Peace Church.

Esther married Leland Johnson on April 15, 1950. They spent 68 years together and raised 4 children. Besides being a great wife and mom, she was a homemaker, Girl Scout Leader, waitress, and sales clerk at Crystals Dress Shop.  For several years she had The Costume House where she and her daughter designed and rented Halloween costumes.  She also wrote a children’s book.  She was always there for her children and grandchildren attending school and sporting events.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Leland, grandson Travis Miller, her brothers Edwin, Leonard, Henry, Alvin Tillman, her sister Florence Quinn and daughter-in-law Teri Johnson.

Esther is survived by her children, Susan (Richard) Gladen of Cloquet, Rosalyn (Roy) Moerike of Bakersfield, CA, Kerry Johnson of Hot Springs, SD, and Jeffrey (Andrea) Johnson of Carlton; grandchildren, Eric Miller, Andrew (Missy) Gladen, Anthony (Whitney) Gladen, Jeremiah (Bridget) Johnson, Jessie Lynn (Joe) Johnson , Mena Moerike (Jeremy), Samanthia Wildes, Danielle Wildes and Chelsea Dobs; twelve great grandchildren; and many special nieces and nephews.

We would like to thank all the staff at Inter-Faith Care Center for the loving care they gave our Mom.

Due to the COVID-19 we will wait and have a Celebration of Life at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Atkins Northland Funeral Home. To sign the guest book and offer an online tribute, see.www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com