Mary P. Johnson
Mary Pauline Johnson, 69, of Whitehall, passed away peacefully at home, with her husband by her side, Monday, May 13, 2024.
Mary was born August 13, 1954, in Whitehall, to Ervin and Doris (Larson) Harnisch. She married Andrew Johnson, July 22, 1978, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Whitehall.
Growing up in York, WI, Mary attended a one-room schoolhouse until 6th grade, when she moved to Whitehall where she graduated from high school in 1972.
Mary was a graduate of UW – La Crosse, where she majored in Recreational Therapy. She began her career at the Trempealeau County Health Care Center in 1976, where she was employed until her retirement in 2009 as Unit Director.
Mary was athletic and loved to be active. She was Club Champion at Whitehall Golf Course in 1981, competing while eight months pregnant. She loved downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, playing tennis and pickleball, and of course spending time on the golf course. When not playing sports herself, she enjoyed cheering on the Badgers, Brewers and Packers, remarking that one of her “perfect days” was visiting family and being in attendance at Lambeau Field with Andy, Lucas, and Preston to see a victory over the rival Chicago Bears.
Mary was a highly-skilled artisan who enjoyed sewing, knitting sweaters, and crafting jewelry which eventually turned into “So Lily” Jewelry — a partnership with her sister, Ginny, which saw them traveling to shows to display their creations across the state. She also was an expert lefse and flatbread maker.
In retirement, she enjoyed a part-time job at the local hardware store, spending time visiting grandchildren, and supporting them in their activities. She also contributed volunteer hours to the Sleep in Heavenly Peace organization, preparing and delivering over 100 beds to area youth.
She is survived by her husband, Andrew; a son, Lucas (Ashley) Johnson; three grandchildren: Preston, Lily and Henry; sister, Eugenia “Ginny” Hangartner; brother, Denny (Kimberly) Harnisch; niece, Cindy Hangartner; and nephew, Mackenzie (Crislyn) Harnisch.
Memorial services will be held Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, with burial at Lincoln Cemetery, both in Whitehall. Mr. Scott Brown SAM and Pastor Greg Ofsdahl will offriciate.
Visitation will be Tuesday, May 28, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.
Memorials may be directed to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, the Friends of the Whitehall Library Fund or the Trempealeau County Humane Society.
