Verna M. Johnson, age 85 passed away on April 21st with her family by her side, from complications of Lewy Body Dementia.
Verna Marie (Wobschall) Johnson was born on September 22, 1940, the daughter of Lewis and Dora Wobschall in Waseca, where she was raised and attended public school.
On March 1, 1958, she married John M. Johnson, the love of her life. Together they raised a family of three children: Mike, Deb, and Kevin.
Their journey through life took them across southern Minnesota from Waseca to Butterfield (1962-64), Brainerd (1964-68), Rochester (1968-73), and Byron (1973-2024). They moved to Inver Grove Heights in September of 2024 to an independent living apartment at Timber Hills Senior Living Community (a Presbyterian home).
Verna chose to be a stay-at-home mom until all her children were in school. She then started a long-standing career as a paraprofessional for the Byron School District where she worked for 29 years. She loved her job and all the varied responsibilities that it entailed. She connected with students and made lifelong friends.
She was a great cook and baker, often taking her goodies to work to be shared and enjoyed by others. Many coworkers fondly remember favorites such as the Texas brownies and mint bars. With the assistance of her family, she continued baking two of her favorites: holiday cut-out cookies with her special frosting recipe and rhubarb bars.
Verna possessed an artistic flair and displayed it with her creations of floral arrangements, crafts, sewing, and needlepoint. She loved music and rarely missed Tuesday music events at Timber Hills.
Verna’s greatest love was her family. Her husband was her anchor. She cherished having her children and grandchildren at the cabin. Spending time with her family (and dogs), regardless of the activity gave her the most enjoyment and happiness.
Verna was a farm girl at heart. She loved spending time with extended family at the Kramer family farm when she was young. She frequently shared stories that involved her Uncle Ernie, Aunt Alvena, and her beloved cousins.
Verna passed away at home under the care of her devoted husband and caregiver and a wonderful team that included family members, her personal care attendant Misty, and Minnesota Hospice.
She was preceded in death by her son Kevin, her grandson Derrik, her parents, and brother Willard. She is survived by her husband John, son Mike (Ruth) Johnson, daughter Deb (John) Schad, grandchildren: Justin, Joey, Jinah and Ryan, great-grandson Landon, and her sister BettyAnn (Merle) Higgins.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 9th, visitation 10-11, chapel service at 11, and luncheon following at Timber Hills Senior Living Community, 6309 Burnham Circle, Inver Grove Heights, MN. Private interment at a later date in Byron.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred as the family will be dedicating those with donations to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, Timber Hills, and Minnesota Hospice.