Ingebord (Inge) Charlotte Grutzner Johnson

Ingebord (Inge) Charlotte Grutzner Johnson, a cherished soul known for her vibrant spirit and boundless curiosity, peacefully departed this world on August 2, 2026, at the age of 95. Her journey began in Silesia, Germany, born to Ernst and Anastasia Romanov Grutzner on February 12, 1931. Inge’s life was a testament to resilience, adventure, and the power of human connection. Inge completed her early education in Germany, leaving school after the eighth grade. Her youthful years were marked by a tenacious spirit as she embarked on a career in housekeeping, a path that led her from Switzerland to England, Paris, and Normandy. Her journey brought her across the Atlantic, where she served with dedication as a housekeeper for Mr. & Mrs. W. Clement Stone in Chicago and later for Governor LeVander at the Minnesota Governor's mansion. Her professional journey continued as she devoted over two decades as a cook at St. Joe's Hospital in downtown St. Paul, with her unwavering commitment evidenced by her early and late bus rides across the city. Later, she joined Concordia College in St. Paul, working well into her 90s. Inge was known for her determination, never learning to drive but instead relying on her trusty bicycle or the metro bus to navigate the city. Inge's personal life was rich with love and family. She married Chichawa in Suess, Tunisia in 1959, and later found love again with Carlos Johnson in San Diego, California in 1968. She lovingly raised her only son, Ferid Grutzner, who survives her along with his wife Joan in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. Her legacy continues through her grandson Patrick Daniel (Emily) Grutzner of Victoria, Minnesota, and her beloved great-grandchildren, Brooks Bennet and Margot Jane. A devout Catholic, Inge found solace and community at the St. Paul Cathedral and St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life, as was her love for tennis and travel. Inge's travels took her to breathtaking destinations such as Hawaii, the Canary Islands, Fuji, and Israel, each journey reflecting her zest for life and her desire to explore the world. Inge's warmth and openness touched everyone she met. She was known for her lively conversations and her willingness to ask for a ride to church or back home. Her later years were spent at Sky Line Towers in Midway St. Paul, where she was a familiar face on her daily walks to Target, engaging with employees and strangers alike over coffee. Inge was predeceased by her brother, Gerhard Grutzner, and her sister, Ilsa Grutzner. Her sister, Magdalena (Maggie) Grutzner Neuman, survives her. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the co-workers at Concordia College who maintained their friendships with Inge after she moved to senior living, and to the dedicated staff at White Pines Memory Care in Cottage Grove for their compassionate care over nearly three years. In honor of Inge’s life and her spirit of giving, the family suggests donations be made in her memory to a charity of your choice. A private ceremony will be held to celebrate her life, honoring the incredible journey of a woman who lived fully, loved deeply, and inspired all she encountered.