Karen J. Johnson

Karen Johnson, 62, died September 30, 2014 peacefully at home with her family by her side in Prairie Village, Kansas. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Karen had touched in some small way throughout her very memorable life. To many, her life would seem too short, but those who were touched by her, understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives.

Karen was born October 2, 1951 in Minneapolis, MN. Karen lived most of her life in the Kansas City area. Her favorite place was Maine where she vacationed every summer. She loved the ocean and salty sea air. Just this past August she spent 3 weeks in Maine accompanied by her two sons, her sister and brother-in-law and dear friends.

Although Karen has worked many jobs in her life including being a legal secretary, working for the American Nurses’ Association and Williams-Sonoma, the job she was most proud of was being a loving mother to her two sons, Andrew and Joshua. She devoted most of her life, time and energy to raising her sons and being a proud, supportive mother.

Karen was a gourmet cook and loved to entertain family and friends. She was always welcoming with a ready smile and a contagious laugh. She was never happier than when she was surrounded by her family and friends.

Karen is survived by her two sons Andrew and Joshua Johnson; her parents, Betty and Gene Kroening; sister, Mary Goforth and her husband Greg; brother, Paul Kroening and his wife Barby; 4 married nieces and nephews; and 10 great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at McGilley & Hoge Johnson County Memorial Chapel on Sunday, October 5th, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Monday, October 6th at the chapel.

Donations may be made to KU Endowment, 3901 Rainbow Blvd Mail Stop 3012, Kansas City, KS 66160 to benefit cancer research.