Bonnie J. (Carlson) Johnson
Bonnie Jane (Carlson) Johnson, 93, of Whitehall, was welcomed home by our Lord, October 10, 2023, after living a very full life. Her deep faith and love of family defined who she was and guided her through her life.
Bonnie was born at home to Alfred and Beulah (Bradt) Carlson of Money Creek Township, MN, July 11, 1930. She was the third youngest of 10 siblings, all of whom were born in the same room of the small farm house. Growing up on a farm in rural Minnesota during the depression was very different from today’s world and provided many adventures for Bonnie and her siblings.
Bonnie graduated from Houston High School in 1948. After graduation from high school, Bonnie spent a summer working at Glacier National Park which she enjoyed very much. She then entered the nursing program at Miller Hospital in St. Paul, MN, and graduated with an LPN degree. Bonnie worked as a nurse in Red Wing, MN, and later in Winona, MN.
Bonnie married the love of her life, Charles Johnson, March 8, 1952, at Central Methodist Church in Winona, MN. Bonnie was preceded in death by Charles, November 25, 2010. Charles and Bonnie were blessed with two sons: Kurt and Tom. Charles and Bonnie moved their young family to Whitehall in 1953. Bonnie cared for her family and was active in many civic and church groups. She was a very active member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church for over 70 years.
Bonnie enjoyed golfing with her husband, Charles, her friends and grandsons. She also enjoyed traveling and shopping and going out to dinner with her friends. Bonnie so enjoyed visiting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Bonnie is survived by her sons: Kurt (Barbara) Johnson of Whitehall, Tom (Barb) Johnson of Hudson; her grandchildren: Sara (Aaron) Stephenson, of Madison, Brian (Tammy) Johnson of Shoreview MN, Matt (Molly) Johnson of Stillwater, MN, and Sam Johnson (Jenna Kitchell) of Madison; her great-grandchildren: Ethan and Eliza Stephenson, Riley Johnson and Charlie and Benny Johnson; her sister, Blanche Smith; her brother, Ronald (Margaret) Carlson; and many nieces and nephews.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Charles Johnson; her father and mother in-law, CS (Foxy) and Anna Johnson; four sisters: Barbara Fossen, Lucille Miller, Esther Ford and Betty Peterson; and three brothers: Curtis, John and Lyle Carlson.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at Grand View Care Center and especially the staff at Gundersen Tri-County Hospital for their compassionate care during the last days of her life.
A celebration of Bonnie’s life will be held Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 36197 Main Street in Whitehall. Visitation at the church will be from 10:00 a.m. through 12:00 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m., with Pastor Greg Ofsdahl officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church or the Gundersen Tri-County Foundation.
Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall is assisting the family with arrangements.