Alice was the first daughter of Carl and Mary Johnson. She was born on July 2, 1923 in Grove City, MN. When she was 16, they moved to Callaway, MN, where she met the love of her life - farm boy named, Orville Hutchinson. The first time he saw her, he remarked to his friends, “that’s the girl I’m going to marry”. When she turned 18, he took her to town, bought her a wedding dress, got the license and booked a hall for the reception. They were married on July 12, 1941, ten days later, and enjoyed 64 years together.
Together they created a happy, secure life and raised 4 children, Sandra, Richard, Kathryn and Sheryl. In 1950, Orville worked days as a machinist and worked at night to build her a house. They return to MN each summer to vacation and fish…a great love for them both. Upon retiring, they bought a trailer and became snowbirds for 18 years, Va living 6 months on the edge of the Boundary Waters and winters in Texas. Stopping home long enough to celebrate TG and Xmas or Father’s Day and Mother’s, often together, and then waving goodbye. Mom told us,” you be here when we get home to stay”.
She was a perfectionist in her hair and dress...her smile was like sunshine that lit up a room...". She would greet family with a smile, kiss and hug. On leaving, she would give more hugs and kisses and often call us back in for another hug saying “I need one more”. She was truly a Mom to the end...worrying about her family always and loving us all so much! She had to know that everyone was okay and happy and if not, she’d find out what she could do to fix the problem.
Alice worked as a waitress and hostess for years at the Wagon Wheel, Pink Pony and The Mayflower, retiring in 1977. She loved people and served customers with smiles and laughter.
She was a skilled seamstress, making her own and all the children’s clothes; a wonderful cook and baker - making pies from recipes in her head with perfect, flaky crusts; loved to read, water ski, play board and card games, was a whiz at Scrabble; loved playing with her grandchildren and hosting large family celebrations. Her yard was filled with flowers. She was always happy to see you. She never imposed anything except food. If she knew you were visiting, she would bake a dessert. They were always fresh because they didn't last long. After her husband passed, she enjoyed cruises, traveling to AK and Dom. Republic, dining out and plays. She loved her daily chocolates.
She passed peacefully, surrounded by family, in the house her husband built for her, and her home for 70 years. If you were ever in her home, you knew she loved the color pink. True to her love of pink, she passed on 4/25/21 on a super full moon called the “pink moon”.
Survived by: Children – Sandra Rucinski, Richard Hutchinson (Sue), Sheryl Hutchinson (Michael Griffith), grandchildren – Rebecca Rucinski, Steven KinCannon (Jennifer Whitmore), Nathan (Mina) Griffith, Michael Rucinski (Corrine); Greatgrandchildren – Jacob Kilkno (Nikki), Justine Kilkno, Camden and Brooklyn Griffith, Evelyn and Colin Rucinski; GrGreatGrandchild – Stella; Sister--Linda Johnson Finley; numerous nieces and nephews
Predeceased by : Husband, Parents, daughter, Kathryn KinCannon; Father-in-law – Emory Hutchinson; Sisters – Doris (Paul) Vyborny, Lyla (Ed) Malocik; Lee and Leona Vizner, brother, Bud Johnson; Grandaughter – Julie Pringle; niece – Pauline Vyborny, nephew – Michael Vyborny; numerous uncles and aunts,
A graveside service and gathering of family and close friends was held on April 30, 2021, with burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Special thanks to: Dr. Phelan, nurse Julia, and Northern Illinois hospice for loving care.
Donations to may be made in her memory to Rock River Valley Pantry.
For a complete obituary, please go to www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com.
