Paula June Johnson

Paula June Johnson, age 94, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026, at her home in Salt Lake City, with her devoted caregiver Moeata Salt at her side. Paula’s family sincerely thanks Moeata and her extended family for their loving services.

Paula was born in Rankin, Illinois, to John Frederick and Helen E. Seidel on June 20, 1931. She was the second oldest of five children. On June 19, 1954, Paula married the love of her life, Lloyd R. Johnson.

Paula attended Wilson Junior College, where she earned an Associate degree. She began her career teaching at a Lutheran school and later worked at a bank. Together, Paula and Lloyd raised four boys. Their eldest son, Sam, was born while Lloyd was serving in the U.S. Army in Colorado. Their second son, Lloyd, was born while Lloyd attended Valparaiso University. Their younger sons, Russell and David, were born on the south side of Chicago.

Paula was renowned for her incredible culinary skills and her ability to successfully feed four growing boys. Her amazing cooking left a lasting impression, inspiring all of her sons to become excellent cooks themselves.

In 1973, the family relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah. Paula went on to attend the University of Utah, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology in 1978—the exact same year as her eldest son, Sam. She became a passionate docent at the university's natural history museum, where she took immense pride in showing her grandchildren how they could fit inside a cast of a Triceratops footprint.

As her family embraced the Utah winter lifestyle, Paula fell in love with cross-country skiing near Alta. She formed a cherished group of friends who frequently skied up the summer road together to enjoy coffee at the on slope Alf’s (Alpenglow) restaurant.

Paula also developed a deep love for golf and became highly skilled at the sport, eventually serving as the leader of the women’s league at the Wingpointe Golf Course. She and Lloyd were avid travelers who backpacked through the Uintas and took jeep trips across Southern Utah. Paula even braved the sideways rain and wind to golf in Scotland on multiple occasions.

Later in life, she and Lloyd lived in downtown Chicago for a few years, where she became thoroughly acquainted with the shops along Michigan Avenue. Among all their travels, Paris held a particularly special place in their hearts.

Paula will be remembered as a very loving soul, who welcomed guests with open arms, fed them well and was always very complimentary. Many people looked up to her and thought of Paula as a role model.

Paula is survived by her three of her sons:

Sam (whose wife, Kathleen, preceded Paula in death in 2015), and their children; granddaughter Morgan (Brian) and great-grandson James; and grandson Philip (Corin) and great-granddaughter Margot and great-grandson Samuel.

Lloyd D., his wife Sarah, and grandsons Ben (Corey) and William.

Russell, his wife Janet, and grandsons Taylor and Alex.

Paula was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lloyd R. Johnson who passed away in 2023, and their youngest son, David, who passed away in 1993. David’s widow, Trish, has remained a deeply cherished and integral part of the family.

Services and Memorial Information

Private Inurnment: A family niche closing and inurnment will take place on June 27, 2026 at 10am at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S. Highland Dr., Millcreek UT 84106

Open Memorial Service: An open memorial service will be held at 11:30am at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1955 E. Stratford Ave., Salt Lake City, UT 84106.

Celebration of Life & Luncheon: Following the church service, a Celebration of Life and lunch will be held from1pm to 4pm at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S. Highland Dr., Millcreek UT 84106.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church, a confessional congregation who observes the historic liturgy in dignified reverence. https://www.rlcs-slc.org/ where Paula and Lloyd faithfully worshipped, or to a charity of your choice.