MARGARET (PEG) JOHNSON

Margaret (Peg) Marie Caldwell Kruse Johnson, 85, died peacefully in her sleep on May 24, 2008 at the Hallmark Care Center in Mount Vernon, Iowa. There will be no services, per her request.

She was born Aug. 19, 1922, to Wayne and Elsie Caldwell in Independence, Iowa, and graduated from West High School in Waterloo, Iowa.

She began her adult life by moving to San Diego, Calif., where she met and married Walter Kruse.

In 1954, Walt and Peg drove the Alcan to Anchorage and built a small log house on Raspberry Road. While working for the Anchorage School District and managing their properties, they filed to homestead in Willow. Peg spent most of a year in Willow homesteading by herself, and was then joined by Walt. In 1974, Walter died of cancer.

Her second marriage in 1975 was to Roger Johnson, a childhood sweetheart. They settled in Willow, and four years later, Roger also died of cancer. Later she met Damon Thorsrud, who was her companion in Willow until 2004, when, forced by failing health, Johnson moved to Hallmark Care Center in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, near her sister. For the remainder of her life, Johnson spoke often of her life in Willow, and wished she could have returned.

Her family wrote that during her more 40 years in Willow, Peg loved to can and preserve food and bake delicious goodies. Watching various birds, including loons, and beavers from her window on Jack Lake was one of her favorite activities. She created a warm and loving home, full of laughter and good food, where friends and family were always welcome, they said.

“Peg was a true pioneer; determined, loyal to friends and family and brave,” her family wrote. “She was respected and admired, inspiring many.”

She is survived by two sisters and one brother-in-law, Edna Cashatt of Mount Vernon, Iowa, and Violet and Edward Krizan of Sun City, Ariz.; brother Stanley Caldwell of Alabama; sisters-in-law Lorrene Caldwell of Wauzeka, Wis., and Ruth Caldwell of Prairie du Chien, Wis.; locally by niece Cheryl Clark Streeter and nephew Dana Krizan, both of Wasilla; along many other nieces and nephews living in the Lower 48.