Ethel Johnson 04/20/2018

Ethel Louise Johnson, age 96, of River Falls, WI died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, April 20, 2018. Ethel was born the daughter of Carl and Sarah Jane (Dunlop) Johansen on July 18, 1921, in Clayton, WI. She grew up in Clayton, graduating as Salutatorian from Clayton High School in 1939. She received her Associate Teaching Degree from the River Falls State Normal School in 1942. Ethel’s first teaching job was at a one room school in Woodville, WI. Ethel continued her own education and received her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1962, and her Masters in Reading Education in 1967 from the University of Wisconsin River Falls. After a 43 year teaching career, Ethel retired in May of 1992, at the age of 71, spending her last 33 years in the Hudson District. Recognitions abounded throughout her career; however, the Kohl Award was one of her highlights. On August 29, 1942, Ethel was married to Harry M. Johnson in Whitehall, WI. They settled their family in River Falls in 1960. Being very active in her community, Ethel served in various positions with AAUW (American Association of University Women), Retired Educators’ Association, Ezekiel Lutheran Church, and Grace Place to name a few. Ethel loved to travel, was generous and kind, and always had a positive attitude. She is preceded in death by her husband, Harry M. Johnson and her brother, Joseph Johansen. Ethel is survived by her children: Judy Schultz, Dennis (Jean) Johnson, Gary (Karen) Johnson; grandchildren: Katherine (Tom) McGurran, Bradley Schultz, Brendan Johnson, Samuel (Julia) Johnson, Amanda (Dean) Nissen, Mark Johnson, Andrew (Hannah Cardenas) Johnson; great grandchildren: Connor (Renee) McGurran, Briana (Patrick) Wylde, Quinn Johnson, Odessa Johnson, Pearl Johnson, Edmund Johnson, Nicholas Nissen, Timothy Nissen, Joseph Nissen, Clara Johnson, Olive Johnson; great great grandchildren: Addison McGurran, Cavan McGurran; and many other relatives and friends. Ethel’s life of being positive and caring to others is a trademark of the beauty of her soul and will live on in the lives she touched.  A Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at 11 A.M. at Ezekiel Lutheran Church 202 S 2nd Street River Falls, WI.  Visitation was also on Tuesday from 9-11 A.M. at the church.  Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery in River Falls.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of River Falls.