Patricia A. Johnson

Patricia Anne (McPherson) Johnson, 92, of Mason City, passed away on Monday, March 17, 2025, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 2 p.m., at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 North Pennsylvania, with Rev. Kent Mechler officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time on Monday. Inurnment will be held in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family of Patricia Johnson.

Born on March 1, 1933, in Tulsa, OK, to Dennis and Dolly McPherson, Patricia was the eldest of three daughters. In January 1955, she was invited on a blind date, where she met the love of her life, Charles Johnson. Although they had been paired with different people, their undeniable connection on the dance floor sparked a love that would last a lifetime. Just nine months later, Charles’ job took him to Louisiana, and the couple decided to marry on the way, tying the knot in Woodville, MS, on September 13, 1955.

The couple welcomed their first daughter, Patsy (Denise), on May 26, 1956. Due to Denise’s sensitivity to the southern heat, the family moved north to Minnesota, where their second daughter, Mary Alice, was born on January 10, 1958, in Austin, MN. In 1959, they settled in Mason City, where Patricia and Charles lived until their health began to decline. Patricia was a devoted homemaker while her daughters were young, later taking on roles as an Avon saleswoman and working at a school cafeteria, Birdsall’s, and Fareway.

Life brought many challenges to Patricia and Charles, but each hardship only strengthened their bond. In February 1972, their family was involved in a devastating accident with a drunk driver. All four were injured, and Mary suffered a traumatic brain injury. Patricia remained by Mary’s side at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Rochester for six months, while Charles balanced work and being with his family on weekends. After Mary was accepted into Opportunity Village, Patricia and Charles became dedicated supporters, raising funds and volunteering their time. They even began a cherished tradition of hosting Village residents for a special dinner at the Elks Lodge in Mason City, for which they were honored with the KIMT Volunteer Award and the Honor Family Award.

Patricia was passionate about dancing on Friday nights and, after a big win on her first trip to Las Vegas, developed a lasting lucky streak with slot machines.

Cherishing her memory are her daughters, Patsy (Denise) Largent and Mary Alice Johnson, both of Mason City; grandchildren, Leslie (Abbott) Hoffman, Melissa (Abbott) Nelson, and Nicholas (Catherine) Largent; great-grandchildren Ashley (Dylan Murphy) Hoffman, Heather Hoffman, Hunter Nelson, and Jameson Largent; her sister, Dorthy McClintock of Tulsa, OK; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Johnson; her parents, Dennis McPherson and Dolly Haley; her sister, Evelyn Woods; son-in-law, Dennis Largent; and numerous other family members.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the medical staff at MercyOne for their exceptional care of Patricia during her final days.