Constance “Connie” Ruth Johnson, aged 85, died peacefully on May 14, 2015 surrounded by her family at Essentia Health in Duluth, MN. Connie was born December 30, 1929, in Weyerhaeuser, Wisconsin, the daughter of Frank and Lena Sabaska.
Connie grew up the youngest of 7 children, learning many life lessons from an early age. Among those lessons were the love of family, faith and friends. She completed school and graduated from Weyerhaeuser High School in 1947.
In 1950, Connie married the love of her life Herbert L. Johnson. They met at Dreamland Ball Room where dancing became an integral part of their connection with one another. They married on October 7, 1950 and lived all of their married life in Duluth. Connie and Herb welcomed eight children into the world. Beyond any full-time job she held outside of the home, Connie lived for her family. Her love and devotion to others will be felt for generations to come.
Connie was a physical therapy aid and PBX switchboard operator at St. Mary’s Hospital for 14 years. Then was a telephone operator for St. Louis County Social Services for 24 years when she retired in 1994.
In addition to spending time with her family, Connie enjoyed gardening, card and board games, travel, cooking, baking, canning, Willie Nelson and celebrating life to the fullest.
Connie was a member of First United Methodist Church and was active with the United Methodist Women’s Circle.
Connie was preceded in death by her parents; siblings; husband, Herbert L. Johnson; and daughter, Debra Lee.
She is survived by her children, Douglas (Shelley) Johnson, Daniel (Lori) Johnson, Denise Kaiser, Son-in-law Rick Lee, Dolores “Dolly” (Dale) Loukes, Darlene (Mark) Engblom, Dianne (Greg) Ciesluk, and Donna (Kari) Nordstrom; 15 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces; nephews; relatives and friends.
Visitation: 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, May 19 in the Jarvi Dowd Funeral Home, 925 E 4th St, Duluth. Funeral Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 20 with visitation 1 hour prior at First United Methodist Church, 230 E Skyline Parkway, Duluth. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to American Diabetes Association are preferred.
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