Shirley Johnson, age 76, of Isanti and beloved wife of Norman, passed away April 13, 2009 in Maplewood. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, April 16th at Faith Lutheran Church in Isanti with Pastor Valerie Brown-Greenly officiating. A visiation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. Wednesday at Strike Funeral Home – Isanti Chapel and also one hour prior to the service Thursday at the church. Interment will be in Athens Lutheran Cemetery.
Shirley Jean Johnson was born October 14, 1932 in St. Paul to Ernest and Mildred Peterson. When she was young her family moved to Isanti. Shirley graduated from Cambridge High School, Class of 1951. On March 7, 1953 she married Norman Johnson. They made their first home on a farm in rural Isanti. Norman was then drafted into the Armed Forces. After his service they moved to Coon Rapids. While living in Coon Rapids she was a member of Faith Lutheran Church of Coon Rapids. Shirley worked in the Blaine Police Office for 24 years. In 1972 they moved back to Isanti. Shirley was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Isanti over the years and served in many capacities. She had a very strong faith in her Lord and Savior. She was a strong supportive, loving and caring person with a gift of hospitality who always thought of others before herself. She was always there for her husband and they always worked together. Shirley enjoyed making pies from their home grown apples and she was a member of the Isanti Lioness Club.
Shirley passed away on April 13, 2009 at her daughter’s home in Maplewood at the age of 76 years, 5 months and 29 days. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her sister, Mitzi and by 2 brothers, Richard and Alan. Shirley is survived by her loving husband, Norman of Isanti; daughter, Brenda (John) Opheim of Maplewood; son, Brian (Susan) Johnson of Grand Rapids; 4 grandchildren, Kory, Katy, Brittney and Brandin; 2 sisters-in-law, Evelyn Hogie of Chisago City, Sally Peterson of Stacy; and by many other relatives and friends.
So, so sorry to hear about our dear Shirley. Such a sweet, kind lady. Truly an angel on earth. She will be so very missed.
im sorry to hear about aunt shirley she had such a great personality and such a genuine lady i will miss her very much.
I worked with Shirley at the Blaine Police Department and I have many warm memories of our “crazy days” serving the public. I will miss her very much and send prayers to Norman, Brian and Sue, Brenda and their families. Shirley always had a strong “will for life” and brightened many lives with her cheerful smile and thoughtfulness. May God bless you all during this time of sadness.
Aunt Shirley and Uncle Norm have always been very special people. You have our deepest sympathy in the passing of Shirley. Our prayers are with you all. Shirley now sits with God and is without pain.
I am so sorry for the loss of Shirley. We will miss her very much. I will always remember what a wonderful kind lady she was.
As times goes on, and you return to life’s routine, I hope that you continue to find comfort in the love and support of your family and friends.
We wish your family much love and sympathy.Gary enjoyed working with Shirley many years.Our Blaine Police family has grown smaller but we will always have our thoughts of Shirley in our hearts.