Prairie Manor picks Valentine’s Day royalty

If ever there were two polar opposite reactions to a coronation, it was Friday at Prairie Manor Care Center.

It was the facility’s annual crowning of a Valentine’s Day King and Queen – and Randy Johnson barely batted an eye when his name was announced, and he certainly didn’t smile.

He received a box of chocolates, a crown, robe and scepter – and bows from several members of the staff.

The stoic response makes sense when you learn Johnson is a former Marine; the Packers fan moved to Prairie Manor in June 2017, said Deb Brown, activities director.

“He is our longest-reigning resident,” she said.

Staff and residents also voted for a queen, and Betty Qualls sat, stunned, after Brown read her name.

“What? Why?” Qualls asked repeatedly.

“Because you’re a daredevil, that’s why,” Brown said.

She was referring to the 95-year-old’s skydive last October, when Qualls, her daughter and her granddaughter all jumped out of a plane near Waseca.

This, though, was a different kind of emotion.

“I’m going to cry,” Qualls said.

And cry she did, looking for all the world like a high school homecoming queen. After the tiara was perched on her head, Qualls continued to thank the other residents, waving and blowing kisses, all while repeating, “I just can’t believe it. Why me?”

“You are special – that’s why you have the crown on,” Brown said.

Qualls expanded a bit about her genuine surprise as she posed for a photo shoot with Johnson.

“I’m just a Tennessee hillbilly,” she said. “I can’t believe this.”

Later that afternoon, she and Johnson would preside over Valentine Bingo; Saturday morning, there was a scavenger hunt and a Valentine’s Day game.

The facility’s baking group frosted and decorated cookies earlier in the week to provide holiday treats.