Dorothy J. Johnson

Dorothy J. Johnson, 96, of Minnetonka formerly of Willmar and Spicer, died peacefully surrounded by family in her final days, Sunday, October 19 at Havenwood of Minnetonka. Her memorial service will be 11:00 am, Thursday, November 20 at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Willmar. A livestream of the service can be found on the church’s YouTube page.

Dorothy preferred, in lieu of flowers, that memorials be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home.

Dorothy Jean Johnson was born on July 7, 1929, to Forrest and Kathryn (Schaffer) Warner in Minneapolis. She grew up in south Minneapolis and graduated from Southwest High School in 1947. Following high school, Dorothy attended the University of Minnesota.

On June 16, 1949, Dorothy was united in marriage to Robert G. Johnson in Minneapolis. Together they were blessed with six children. Throughout their marriage, they made their home in Olivia, Willmar, and Spicer. Robert passed away in 1969.

Dorothy dedicated many years to being a homemaker. After her husband’s passing, she returned to school and graduated from Willmar Technical College. Following her graduation she became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She later worked for many years at a group home in Spicer, where her caring nature touched the lives of many.

Dorothy will be remembered as fun-loving, independent, generous, and social. She enjoyed quilting, gardening, reading, caring for animals, and playing cards. One of her favorite things to do was spend time at Green Lake. Most of all, she cherished her family, gathering together was always important to her.

She is survived by her children: Peter (Laurie) Johnson, Thomas (Lynn) Johnson, Charles (Karen) Johnson, Jane Anderson, Christopher (Wendy Olek) Johnson, and Annie Johnson; 18 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; parents, Forest and Kathryn; and siblings, Patricia Warner and James Warner.

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