Ragnhild Ranum Johnsen

Rhinebeck- Ragnhild Ranum Johnsen, 85, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2022 at the Baptist Home surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Trondheim, Norway on March 15, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Rolf and Laura Ranum. 

She attended Business College in Trondheim, Norway, and then worked at a pharmaceutical distribution company.  After moving to the United States, she worked at Prentice Hall Publishing Company in New Jersey.

While on a trip to visit family in the United States, she met Arnold Johnsen, the love of her life.  They later married on March 21, 1964.  Arnold survives at home in Rhinebeck.

Ragnhild and Arnold had two children, Kristin and Erik.  She devoted her life to being their mother.  She was a member of Third Lutheran Church in Rhinebeck and an active member of Sons of Norway for over 50 years.

Ragnhild was an avid reader and knitter. She made the most beautiful sweaters. Cooking was one of her passions and she had a knack for always creating something wonderful out of whatever ingredients were on hand. Her freshly baked krumkakes and Norwegian cookies were a staple of every family Christmas celebration. No matter where she lived, Ragnhild made every house a home.

In addition to her husband, Ragnhild is survived by her children, Erik Johnsen and his wife Bonnie, and Kristin Voorhis and her husband Thomas, as well as 5 grandchildren: Austin, Tyler, Caroline, Elise and Laura. To her grandkids, she was affectionately known as their “Moomoo”. Ragnhild was the matriarch of her family.  Her husband, children and grandchildren were her world. Her family and her heritage were her greatest sources of pride.  She was preceded in death by her brother Rolf I. Ranum. 

There are no calling hours. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Brookemeade Community Foundation (in memory of Ragnhild Johnsen), 46 Brookmeade Drive, Rhinebeck, NY 12572.  Brookemeade provided Ragnhild with loving care for four years.

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