Grandma Johnhoy

Grandma Johnshoy passed away on Saturday, June 14th.


She will be missed by many.

I thought it would be nice to re-read the wonderful article written about Valborg in the Pope County Press this past Mother's Day.


A Mother's Love

By Chad Koenen


From a very young age, Valborg Johnshoy knew she wanted a large family. Ten children later, she now spends her time watching her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren grow.


Each year when Valborg and the late Herbert Johnshoy family come together for their Christmas celebration, the gathering often rivals the population of a number of neighboring communities. In fact, the living members of the Johnshoy family (89 when including the son and daughter-in-laws of Herb and Valborg) outnumber Farwell, population 57, Sedan population 65, and Westport population 72 in Pope County.


But that's just the way Johnshoy wanted it. The youngest of five children, Johnshoy said even as a child, she knew she wanted a big family.


"I was the youngest one and I just loved children," she said. "I was a nightmare to take to church because I wanted to go and see all the babies.


"Fortunately, her future husband Herbert shared the same desire of a large family. The couple married in the living room of her parents home, and began working on the Johnshoy family farm. They fixed up a three bedroom home on the property and began starting a family.


First there was Herb, Jr., then Lauris, Vernice, Sandy, Deloris, Glen, David, Nona, Brenda, and finally little Randi. Ten children in all, all in a three bedroom country home. One for boys, one for girls, and one for Herbert and Valborg.


There were no twins, and other than some occasional help immediately following a birth, Johnshoy never had any hired help in caring for the children. After all, there was no need. As each child grew older they baby-sat for the younger ones, helped with extra chores around the house, even helping with discipline by watching over each other when they were in town.


It wasn't something they necessarily were asked to do, but as a close-knit family, watching after each other and helping with the chores was something that just came naturally.


"Kids learn to be responsible if they have to be," she said.


Each week ended with the anticipation of a freshly baked pie following church. When Christmas came around, the family sang in four parts resembling more of a small choir than a family singing Christmas carols.


One way or another, there was always something going on at the Johnshoy household. Perhaps that's why there wasn't very much inhouse bickering, there simply wasn't the time."There really wasn't anytime for fighting," said Johnshoy. "If they were arguing Herbert just looked at them and they would quit. That was one thing he couldn't stand.


"After the thousands of changed diapers and the numerous lessons taught at Sunday school, Johnshoy said before she knew it the house was empty and the children were all grown up.


"When you have that many (children) they're interested in different things," she said. "You keep them interested in what they like to do and pretty soon they are all grown up.


"With Mother's Day just day's away, the mother of 10, grandmother of 29, great-grandma of 38, and great-great-grandma of three, said the best advice she can give to mother's anywhere is to set a good example to their children. "Be real honest with your children," she said. "Don't do something you don't want them to do. You have to be a real good example.


"With nine of her children still alive, David passed away a few years ago, Johnshoy joked that though they love their brothers and sisters, they must have had enough of a large family life because not one of her children has more than four kids of their own.


Though they are spread out across the country, rarely does one miss the annual Christmas retreat at the Holiday Inn in Alexandria, weddings or other family gatherings. The reuniting is a chance to catch up on old times, share memories, and begin a few new adventures of their own.


"The biggest day in my life is the day everyone comes home," said Johnshoy. "Whether it is the Fourth of July, Christmas, or New Years, that's the biggest day.


"After all, the love of children has never left the soon-to-be 94-year-old's blood, and with each family gathering is a chance to hear stories and create new memories with young children all-over-again.



(http://www.pctribune.com/main.asp?SectionID=22&SubSectionID=103&ArticleID=5482&TM=41475.98)