Mabel's son Arvid thinks they were married in Pope County - a '28 Ford Roadster drove her home (from North Dakota?) to Pope County. In 1937, during the drought, Arvid sold his turkeys to pay to move his family by train to Douglas County.
Mabel Johansen, 97 Mabel was born on June 11, 1905, the daughter of James and Catherine (Martin) Gaffaney in Leven Township, Pope County, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. Mabel attended school in Villard and furthered her education at the St. Cloud Teachers College. After graduation she taught grade school in Minnesota and North Dakota. Mabel was united in marriage to Arvid Johansen on November 27, 1929 in Villard. The Johansens lived and farmed in North Dakota until 1937 and then moved to Alexandria. She was a member of St. Mary's Church, Daughters of Isabella and Christian mothers. Mrs. Johansen died on Friday, August 30, 2002 at the Crestview Manor in Evansville. She is survived by her sons: Arvid Johansen of Bloomington; Ernest (Joe) Johansen of Alexandria; Ansgar Nick and wife Beverly Johansen of Plattville, WI; Jarl and wife Mary Johansen of Bloomington; Pete Johansen of Irving, TX; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and sister: Margaret Danielson of California. She is preceded in death by her husband, Arvid; and parents. Parish Prayer Service was held on Monday, September 2 at 6:30 p.m. with a Christian Mothers Rosary at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, September 3, 2002 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father Al Ludwig officiating. Pallbearers were Mel Gaffaney, Chris Strunc, Ned Gaffaney, Bob Gaffaney, Ronnie Bentfield and John Whelan. Interment was at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Alexandria. Services were directed by Petermeier's Alexandria Funeral Care and Cremation Service. Echo Press, Published September 11 2002