Ann "Nonnie" Lemery

Ann Magdalena “Nonnie” Johnston Lemery, 99, of Detroit Lakes, MN passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Oak Crossing. Ann left this earth to meet Charles, her husband who preceded her in death by 37 years.

Nonnie was born in Waubun, MN on the family farm, July 27^th, 1923. She was one of eight children of Frank and Barbara (Shepeck) Leff. She grew up in Waubun, Ogema area where she received her education.

Ann married Charles Johnston on April 15, 1941, in Ogema where they made their home for many years. They were blessed with eight children. Charles and Ann pursued several business’ including the drive-in in Mahnomen, MN where all their children helped. Mom graded eggs and planted trees to buy kitchen cupboards. Dad was in real estate and later was a salesman for lakes Agsco Seed Company. They moved to Detroit Lakes in 1971. They had a cabin on Strawberry Lake which they loved and lived in Texas during the winter months. Charles died in September of 1985. Mom continued to go south for the winters, where she met Lyle Lemery. They were married in 1988 in Detroit Lakes. Lyle passed away in 1995.

Mom had great faith in our Lord, praying the rosary and enjoyed spending time with her children, as well as her 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

Mom loved to cook and was known for her many poppy seed and prune biscuits. Many times, she would make 50 at a time along with homemade bread, cookies, and cakes. Mom loved ceramics, dancing, playing cards, traveling, and being with family and friends. She was a huge fan of the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, and Gophers. Sometimes Mom would have a beer for the Vikings first touchdown. Mom was a member of the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Ogema, Holy Rosary Catholic Church of Detroit Lakes, Local Ladies Auxillary, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Mom will be missed and toasted to for many years to come by her surviving children: Jim (Kathy) Johnston, Craig (Gurine) Johnston, Gerald Johnston, and Brian Johnston, all of Detroit Lakes, Barb (Ron) Grefsrud of West Fargo, Eugene (Cheryl) Johnston of Albany, OR, and daughter-in-law, Colleen Johnston of Big Lake, MN.

Honorary Pallbearers are her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Preceding her in death are her parents, husbands, Charles and Lyle, daughter, Annette Pawlak, son, Wayne Johnston, and her seven siblings, of which Mom was the last to die of eight children. Mom was a remarkable lady and will be missed by all.