Clareen Johnson

Clareen (Jellesed) Johnson, 89, of Duluth, passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2020 at Edgewood Vista Assisted Living. She was born July 27, 1931 in White Earth, ND to Belvin and Agnes Jellesed. Clareen came to Duluth after graduating high school in North Dakota to live with her Aunt. She met the love of her life, Clifford E. Johnson (Cliff the Barber) and they married on August 8, 1953, they had four children. Clareen worked of Minnesota Power; opened her own childcare center “Clareen’s Kids” in West Duluth in 1973; St. Louis County Childcare from 1978 to 1987; re-opened Clareen’s Kids until her retirement in 1992. Clareen was a member of Salem Covenant Church on 59th Ave West. She enjoyed many different women’s and couples groups. The people of Salem were an extension of her family. She loved to travel, reading, dining out, and spending time with family and friends. Clareen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Cliff of 56 years, who she missed dearly. Clareen is survived by her children, Tim (Sheila) Johnson, Tom (Cathy) Johnson, Cheryl Johnson and Chris (Jim) Olcott; grandchildren, Jason, Kristi, Jarrad, Eric, Anthony, Casey, Cassandra, Jessica, Jacob, Ross and Glen; 20 great-grandchildren. The family will celebrate Clareen with a graveside service at Oneota Cemetery. Memorials can be sent to Salem Covenant Church, 339 North 59th Ave West, Duluth, MN 55807. Cards to the family can be sent to: The Johnson Family c/o Tom Johnson, 9101 Aerie Lake Road, Alborn, MN 55702.