Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wallace “Wally” Gordon Johnson, her parents LeRoy Joseph and Olive Marie (Beauvais) King, siblings Phyllis Steiner (Ted), Yvonne Duda (John), Jim (Helen), Jeannine Zimmerman (Eugene), Don (Louellyn), Al (Jane), Frank (Judy), Larry King and son-in-law Steven John Nelson.
She is survived by her loving children Olivia Mazo, Julianne DeShaw (Raymond), Terence (Susan) Johnson, Timothy Johnson, and Elizabeth Diaz, cherished grandchildren Kenneth and John Burdette (Stacy Northway), Jeffery Kokaisel (Shannon), Rachel Lenzen (Joe), Michael Nelson (Bethany), Abbie and Katja Johnson, and Madeleine Diaz; and dearest great grandchildren Alex, Piper and Chase Burdette, Emelia and Wynston Lenzen, and Robert and Charlotte Nelson.
Darlene (Dar) was a devout Catholic whose faith inspired others. She often prayed the rosary and had a special love for the Blessed Mother Mary. She was a devoted wife, cherished by her dearest Wally. They were inseparable - their love affair lasting nearly 70 years. Dar was a loving mother and grandmother who found great joy in spending time with her children and grandchildren. Their time together always went too fast! Dar was an avid gardener, spending much time with Wally tending to her expansive garden and always looking for something unique to enhance its beauty. Together she and Wally were hospital volunteers and they volunteered with Catholic Charities, often joined by several of her siblings. Wally and Dar went on many adventures with their children including many cross-country camping trips. Later Wally and Dar continued to travel, a highlight being their trip to the Holy Land. She also helped raise and care for some of her grandchildren and was a positive influence on all of them. As the years progressed, she was content and at peace listening to classical music and watching the birds from her window. She will be dearly missed and remembered as a kind, sweet soul.
Mass of Christian Burial, Monday, October 19 at 11 am with visitation 1 hour before at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 4125 Woodbury Dr., Woodbury, MN 55129. Visitation will be on Sunday, October 18 from 2-4 pm at Wulff Funeral Home, 2195 Woodlane Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125.
