Doris Emelia Holmberg was born November 11, 1922 to Oscar B. and Elizabeth (Carlson) Johnson in Hayes Township, Swift County, Minnesota. She was baptized on January 11, 1923 by Reverend Seastrand of Bethesda Lutheran Church, rural Murdock. She was confirmed there on November 28, 1937 by Reverend Arthur L. Chell. Doris grew up in a family where education was valued. She graduated from Murdock High School with the class of 1940. She then attended St. Cloud State College, where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. Before marriage, Doris taught in rural Monson Lake, Pennock, and Benson. Later she taught many years in the Kerkhoven Public School system which eventually became K.M.S. (Kerkhoven, Murdock, Sunburg). She loved teaching and it was evident that she had an impact on her student's lives, by the many kind words that she continued to receive from former students to this day. It was no surprise that three daughters followed in their mother's footsteps and became teachers as well. Doris was involved in the Murdock Community in many ways. She was a lifelong member of Bethesda Lutheran Church where she had served as both secretary and board member. She also taught Sunday School, Bible School, Confirmation classes, and was a Luther League Youth Director. Doris was a member of W.E.L.C.A. As a parent, Doris was secretary of the Murdock P.T.A. While teaching in Kerkhoven, she was secretary of their P.T.A as well. Doris was a former member of the Swift County Homemaker's Club, and served as a board member of the Swift County Museum. In her youth, Doris was a charter member of the Hayes Kildare 4-H Club and served as its first secretary. When her daughters joined 4-H, she served as an adult leader in the same club. Doris loved to garden, and as member of the Green Thumb Garden Club served as both president and secretary. Her favorite past time was raising flowers. Each spring, she would eagerly visit green houses and plan new flower beds. She was always looking for that special new plant! She received the MSHS (Minnesota State Horticultural Society) District 10 Heart of the Prairie Star Gardener Award, of which she was very proud. Doris' Swedish heritage was important to her and many June "Midsmmar" fests were held at the lake. She is survived by her 3 daughters: Jeanne (Neil) Wedeking of Nemaha, Iowa, Janet (Paul) Sorenson of Mankato, Minnesota, and Mary Beth Holmberg of Morris, Minnesota; one granddaughter, Karin (Christopher) Hansen of Phoenix, Arizona; one cousin, Donna Haines of Willmar, Minnesota; many nieces, nephews, and her special "Grand Pet, Barney". She was preceded in death by her husband, Irvin Holmberg; daughter, Cynthia Mae Holmberg; parents, Elizabeth and Oscar, and sister, Georgine Nelson.
