L. RoJean Cummins, 89

L. RoJean Cummins passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on October 27, 2023, in the comfort of her home in Park Rapids, MN.

RoJean was born on August 6th, 1934, in Karlstad, MN to Arthur and Ellen (Erickson) Cummins. She was raised on the Cummins farmstead in Norway Township. She grew up gardening, chasing cows, and attending Sunday School and church in Eidsvold Lutheran.

RoJean knew at the age of 3 that she wanted to be a nurse. She would line up fire sticks by the fire stove and pretend they were her patients. Even at an early age RoJean heard her calling to serve and care for others. After high school, RoJean began her career at Karlstad Memorial Hospital in Karlstad, MN. Around that time, she married Warren Johnson and started a family. RoJean and her family moved to Grand Forks, ND where she worked as a nurse at the former Deaconess and St. Michaels’ Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. RoJean worked tirelessly providing for her family, ensuring her boys attended church and school. She also volunteered with the School for the Blind, was a member of the local American Heart Association and performed countless other selfless acts.

When the two hospitals merged and became United Hospital RoJean began working in the ICU. She was a supervisor, mentor, and educator. She took all new nurse hirers under her wing and patiently oriented them all making sure they cared for their patients needs. RoJean was a pioneer and trailblazer because of these qualities and her ‘Can do attitude’ she was chosen to build from the ground up a brand new cardiac rehab department within the hospital. RoJean retired from Altru in 1999 and then moved to Park Rapids, MN. She continued working as a nurse part-time at St. Joseph Hospital. She volunteered as a parish nurse, drove patients to their medical appointments and was a patient advocate for those who needed one.

RoJean in her free time developed into an avid quilter making quilts for her family and giving quilts to the homeless and less fortunate. She was a member of the Crazy Quilters Guild and enjoyed countless retreats and hours sowing with them. She also made hand sown mittens and hats to warm the residents of the community. RoJean passionately loved her six boys and was so proud of them and their families. She loved to play cards, games, and played lighthearted jokes on her friends and family. She participated in weekly Bible Study and took turns hosting at her home. She was a proud member of Peace Lutheran Church in Nevis, MN. RoJean welcomed company and enjoyed laughing and visiting with them. Her infectious laughter could light up a room and she made sure you knew you were loved. RoJean loved to travel and was very adventurous having traveled all the way to Norway as that is where her ancestors originated.

RoJean cared for and touched countless lives through her hands, shared her love and kindness to everyone she engaged with through her 89 years. And now her time has come to rest in peace with her Lord and Savior. May her memory be forever blessed.

RoJean was preceded in death by her parents Art and Ellen Cummins, sons Brian and Kelly Johnson and daughter in law Bridget Johnson. Left to mourn her passing are her sons Joel Johnson of Billings, MT, Galen Johnson of Park Rapids, MN, Lonnie (Joannie) Johnson of Casa Grande, AZ, and Dannie (Tammy) Johnson of Starbuck, MN: her 17 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren: Brothers Keith and Arnell, sisters Betty Ann and Bev, along with their families and all her many friends.

Celebration of life services will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Peace Lutheran Church near Nevis, MN. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023 from 5 until 7 PM at the Peace Lutheran Church near Nevis, MN. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. Arrangements by Cease Family Funeral Home of Park Rapids, MN. Friends may leave online condolences at ceasefuneralhome.com.