A sad and tragic day last Thursday.

Most of Big Lake woke up to the news of a homicide that occurred in the early morning hours of July 23. Rosalie Ellie Johnson, 62, was brutally assaulted and murdered by her own son in a motive not yet determined.

Big Lake Police Chief Joel Scharf and his Deputy Chief, Matt Hayen were amongst the first, 1st responders to a call dispatched to the Johnson home just after 9 a.m. to a home on the 1800 block of Golf Street, just north of Lake Mitchell. At first, Scharf was confused when he arrived because he knew the homeowners and couldn’t comprehend anyone being killed at that residence.

“I started to head over to the neighbor’s house until I was summoned to the Johnson home,” Scharf said. “I just couldn’t believe or understand that it was the home of someone I knew so closely.”

That wasn’t the end of it. Scharf and his officers had to stay focused on their jobs of securing the scene, arresting the party(ies) involved and assessing the scene. All the while, knowing they had a dead body in the home they would have to address.

“My officers handled everything professionally and with great poise and care,” Scharf said. “I’m glad I only had my senior-est officers there who maybe held things together better than some of the younger cops we have.”

When the cops entered the home, they encountered Rose’s husband, Andy, who had made the 911 call — and the man’s son named Eric Jordahl, 20, who was covered in blood. On a table nearby was a large knife and, to officers, what appeared to be human tissue.

After waiving his rights, Jordahl told police he went into his mother’s bedroom in the lower level of the home that night, and after she told him to go back to sleep, he said he punched her in the head numerous times, before heading upstairs to get a knife. He returned to her bedroom and stabbed her repeatedly.

He also said he bit Johnson.

Jordahl’s father and Rose’s husband told police  when he got home from work his son told him that he’d killed his mother.

Police found Johnson’s body in a lower-level basement bedroom with “obvious facial trauma.”

The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office ruled her death a homicide saying Johnson suffered sharp and blunt force trauma to her head and body.

Jordahl is charged with second-degree murder with intent, not premeditated; and second-degree murder without intent while committing another felony, second-degree assault. Both charges are felonies and carry a maximum sentence of 40 years.

Jordahl’s bail was set at $1 million

Johnson was appointed to the city council in 2019 to fill a vacancy. Her seat was up for election this November.  She also served on the Big Lake Community Lake Association, Big Lake Economic Development Authority, Community Education Advisory Board, the Personnel Committee, and the Road Maintenance Committee (JPA).

“She was a great person who cared about the community of Big Lake and stood up for her beliefs, and always came prepared,” said fellow council member Paul Knier.

City Administrator Clay Wilfahrt gave the following statement on behalf of the City of Big Lake:

“The City is deeply saddened by the passing of Council Member Rose Johnson.  Rose was an exemplary public servant who always put the priorities of the community above her own.  Rose exuded passion for Big Lake.  In particular, Rose worked tirelessly for the well being of the community’s lakes. City staff who knew Rose remember her as a tenacious, dedicated, and compassionate public servant. We are all better having known and worked with Rose.  Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family during this trying time.”

Mayor Mike Wallen, who told this reporter that he and Rose had a unique relationship, said he has grown as a servant to the people because of Johnson.

“I’ve always been impressed with how Rose carried herself,” Wallen said. “Our political views were 180º from each other and yet I think we both had a respect and understanding with each other.”

“What I’ll always remember about Rose is that she always had the best interests for the city,” he continued. “Her heart and head was always in the right place. We debated — sometimes very vigorously, but always very healthy — and I always ended our debates thinking I had even more admiration and respect for her.”

“This is an extraordinary loss. She was a tenacious and strong woman and always fair. It will be very difficult to replace her on council.”