Erika Anna Johnson

Erika was born on January 13, 1940 in Aichtal kreis Oppeln, Germany. She was the second youngest of the 11 children of Josef and Klara (Schnober) Klose. Erika lost both her parents by the age of 10. After living in an orphanage for some time, Erika was taken in by her foster parents Christina and Aloys Göb. She was a devout Catholic and entered the religious convent life at 16. However, she showed a definite inclination for family life.

Erika met and married Nick Gozar (September 15, 1932 to April 5, 2005) in 1959 with whom she had six children. They immigrated to the USA May 8, 1963 and settled in Browns Mills, New Jersey. In June 1973 they relocated to Maa, Davao City, Philippines. There, Erika ran a Jeepney transportation business. In December 1976, they moved back to the United States and settled in Colorado.

Erika’s marriage to Nick ended in 1977. She was married to Jerry Johnson (1928-2001) from 1979 to 1985, during which they ran a home improvement business.

After her business closed in 1985, Erika worked in micro electronics from then until she retired in 2002. She obtained her associate’s degree in technical engineering and worked for electronic companies such as Digital, NCR, Quantum and Brown Disc. She took great pride in her achievements at work. She also became an advanced first aider as a part of her employer’s first response team. She entertained and translated for German associates visiting from abroad. She enjoyed traveling and visited places like Ireland, Malaysia and Boston many times for work. She made connections with people all over the world.

Erika enjoyed living in Colorado as she was surrounded by family and friends and the mountains reminded her of the mountains from her homeland Germany. She had a passion for crocheting, baking, cooking and taking care of children. She enjoyed hosting gatherings and inviting people to her home who had nowhere to go during the holidays. She generously helped many people who became part of her extended family by offering a home and nourishment to them in times of need. She was a frugal shopper and enjoyed bargaining for deals. Throughout, she remained very active in the church, teaching catechism, directing the children's choir and was a member of the church council.

Erika is survived by her six children Lucy (Gregory) Worthen, Nancy (Jeffrey) Gindlesperger, Nick Gozar Jr., Gerry Gozar, Rex (Natalie) Gozar and Zandra Whited; nine grandchildren, Sarah, Adian, Pamela, Kyle, Maya, Yanna, Joshua, T’andra, and Zarianna; and seven great grandchildren, Kingsley, Ainsley, Elorah, Michelle, Julia, Odin and Perseus.

A private family viewing will be held prior to cremation in early January. A celebration of life will be held later this year to commemorate her loving and generous spirit.