Barbara G. Johnson

Barbara Johnson, 91, child of God, passed away on July 18, 2024 at home surrounded by her family.

Barb was born on October 1, 1932 in Escanaba, MI, the eldest daughter of Joseph and Esther(Hoglund) Gehrman. She graduated from Hurley High School in 1950 and went on to Madison to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. She graduated from the Madison General Hospital School of Nursing in 1953. Years later (after becoming a grandmother) Barb went back to school to obtain her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from UW-Green Bay.

On August 6, 1955, Barb married the love of her life, Norm Johnson in Hurley, WI. She worked as a RN in both Benton and Madison, WI. Barb retired from AAL (Thrivent) in 1995, where she was the employee health nurse.

Barb is survived by her children Joe, Beth and Karen(Jim); grandchildren Tyler(Alisha) and Kyle (Staci) and great-grandchildren Landon, Ascher, Carsen, Jude, Kaylee, Norah, and Eli. She is also survived by her sister Shirley Peterson and nephews Mark, Eric, Tom and John.

Barb was an active volunteer at Faith Lutheran Church and in the community, serving on many boards and committees. She was very active as a school volunteer when her children were in elementary school.

Barb loved to spend time in her garden. She especially loved to care for her roses and wild flowers. She had beautiful memories of hiking in Door County and looking for wildflowers. Barb loved to send notes and cards to others. She knew the joy of getting “good mail.” Barb loved to read history and a good cozy mystery. She loved celebrating Christmas in July for a number of years with her sisters. Barb enjoyed learning to cross country ski in her fifties, researching family history and compiling family genealogy. She and Norm loved to travel and spend time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The memorial service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 601 E. Glendale Ave. in Appleton on July 31st at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be at the church from 11 am to the time of the service. Internment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Appleton. A reception will be held following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Lutheran Church Radio Ministry or Senior Ministry, or a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank all who cared for Barb: Dr. Eiben, Dr. Fernando and Dr. Minorik; Becky Steger, APNP; Tess, RN and Holly from ThedaCare Hospice and the care pros from Home Instead: Dawn K., Debbi, Jean, Joann, Kirsten, and others.