Member Profile - Doris Johannes

"I was born in Herman, Nebraska to Jessie and Delbert Raver. I was 7 years old when we moved from Nebraska to Chokio, Minnesota. I graduated from Chokio High in 1938.

I met my husband to be in 1940. He joined the army in the fall of 1940, and we were married at Corvallis, Oregon in 1942. We had 4 children—3 girls and a boy—and of course, many dogs and cats. When we moved to Ham Lake, where I now live, we had turtles, snakes and any other animals the kids could find.

I had about 2 and a half years studying to be an elementary school teacher. I only worked a few months, when my husband was going to school at University of Minnesota, sewing at Munsingwear, and as a barker at the fair selling kitchen gadgets. I also worked at American Linen, folding clothes and sorting wet wash. Not really a career, I guess."

Toadstool: Could you tell us about your interests and hobbies?

I belong to three bowling leagues, and I do a few tournaments. Right now I’m trying to win a Cadillac. I am also a TOPS member, hoping to get my weight down and keep it there. I was there once, so I should be able to do it again! I also enjoy backpacking in the BWCA, bicycling, crocheting, canoeing and fishing.

Toadstool: Tell us about some of your travels.

We hiked the Rockies in Canada, Banff, and Jasper. We also did many trails in the BWCA and a canoe trip on the Lewis and Clark Trail from Fort Kipp State Park to Fort Benton--also many trips with the seniors from Ham Lake, including a cruise to Alaska for 11 days.

Toadstool: What were some of the important events in your life?

Meeting and marrying my husband of 62 years and having the four healthy kids we were blessed with—couldn’t get much better than that.

Toadstool: How did you get interested in mushrooms?

I found Amanita muscaria and Gyromitras (as I found out later) on our may trips to the BWCA. My husband bought me a book by Margaret McKenny. I could never be really sure of my finds to try to eat them; even those she said were edible. One mushroom used to keep coming up in the yard, where we had an old stump. I found out later it was a good edible (Grifola frondosa or Hen of the Woods), when it didn’t show up any more.

Toadstool: How did you get involved with MMS?

They printed articles in the paper as to where their meetings were to be held. I attended a foray at Spring Brook Nature Center. I decided I should pay my dues, after I had attended a few meetings. I joined in 1985. Dick O’Conner was president then. Jeff Donahue and Lee Muggli made identifications of our finds as we brought them in, and they were passed around to look at. Each year I seemed to learn a few more. I learned how to key them out, at least getting many down to the species. I served on the MMS board of directors for a number of years and was also a local foray chairperson.

Toadstool: Tell us what you like about MMS.

The people are really friendly and are willing to help in any way, so that you can learn to identify mushrooms on your own. Anna Gerenday was really helpful. She tried to educate us so that we can identify some of our finds—easy for her, and she has tried to make it easy for us.

Toadstool: What is your favorite mushroom?

The Sulfur Shelf is nice, but I think I really like the Gypsy and the Blewit.

Toadstool: Do you have some especially memorable mushroom moments?

One was the year MMS hosted the NAMA foray at Isabella, MN (near the BWCA). It was in 1988. What a year for mushrooms! Of course, the blueberries were out then too. I found a nice patch of chanterelles, which went well with our banquet dinner of walleye and wild rice. Our overnights at Deep Portage were great as well. There were many trails within walking distance. We were asked to put on a really good display for park visitors, took them on forays, and told them how to pick and collect their finds. We gained a few new members and started a club chapter in the north country.

Toadstool: Anything else you would like to share with us?

I did find a few mushrooms that ended up in the University of Minnesota Herbarium. Erma Lechko and I shared one we found at Lindberg State Park.

Only a few members are with the society from the time when I joined. Many have passed away. Maybe I’m just getting too old. Neighbors still call me when they see mushrooms in the area or leave them atop the paper tube, if I’m not home. I have the entire neighborhood hunting mushrooms!

Toadstool: Thank you, Doris, for this wonderful profile. We are honored to have you in our society.