Dixie Johnson

Dixie Rachel Johnson, 87 passed away December 7, 2021

Dixie was born January 4, 1934 to Clarence and Ruth Lacey in Lawrence Township, Minnesota.  She lived and worked on the family farm with her sister and 4 brothers until marrying Don Johnson on August 16,1952. Raising her three children in Bemidji, MN while Don worked for Northwestern Bell telephone until moving to Illinois then Iowa to build cable television systems.    In 1971 the family moved to Detroit Lakes to start Lakeland Cablevision. Dixie was the driving force in the development and expansion of the company though 1986 when the company was sold to Arvig Communications.

Dixie became the 1st woman on the on the Detroit Lakes City Council serving for 23 years as alderman-at-large, 14 of those years as vice-mayor. She was instrumental in development of the downtown mall, the Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center and the expansion of the industrial park. Faith, family and community were Dixie’s passion and she tirelessly gave of herself to numerous endeavors such as serving as Lt. Governor of Kiwanis for district 14, Chairing the Detroit Lakes Public Utilities Commission, President of West Central Initiative Fund, founder of the Gold Leaf Club for St. Mary's Regional Health Center, assisted with the start of the League of Women Voters in Detroit Lakes.

Dixie is survived by her children Deb (David) Pratt of Detroit Lakes, Garret (Michelle) Johnson of Detroit Lakes, Holly (Jeff) Peterson of West Fargo, ND, her sister Mary Houg, and brothers Jack Lacey and Bill Lacey, 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Don, parents Clarence and Ruth Lacey, and brothers Gerald and Dan Lacey.

In memory of Dixie’s dedication to the Community of Detroit Lakes her family will be wearing red, her favorite color.

Donations in honor of Dixie can be made to Hospice of the Red River Valley or the Boys and Girls Club of Detroit Lakes.

TO SEND FLOWERS FOR THE SERVICE, PLEASE CALL LOCAL FLORIST DIRECTLY: DETROIT LAKES FLORAL (218) 844-5860 or CENTRAL FLORAL (218) 844-3664