Colleen Arlene (Boland) Johnson, age 77, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2020 at New Perspective Senior Living in Mahtomedi, Minnesota. Formerly she resided in Isanti County. Funeral service will be held on July 7th, 2021 at 11 am with visitation beginning at 10 am in the church Narthex at Long Lake Lutheran Church, located at 3921 277th Ave. NW, Isanti, MN 55040.
On July 5th, 2020, Colleen Johnson passed away at the age of 77.
Now that covid restrictions have been lifted, the family is proceeding with her funeral. Colleen was born on October 5th, 1942 in Sioux City, lowa to William and Lilly Boland.
She received her real estate license in 1977 and went on to build a successful career spanning 3 decades. In 1975 she married Duane Johnson, and the following year they moved to Isanti, where they established a small hog operation which operated into the early 1980’s.
Colleen had a passion for volunteering, card-club, served as an Arbitrator for the Board of Realtors and participated in numerous charity events with her granddaughter, Jennifer. She had a busy life, which she thoroughly enjoyed, but she’d also use downtime to crochet and dabble in ceramics crafting. “The car would never cool down” Duane would often say.
Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers: Edward and Richard; sisters: Geraldine and Norma; great grand daughter, Madisyn. She recently lost her brother, Donald. She is survived by her two children, Rebecca and Kelly (Roberto); her grandchildren, Jennifer (Rich), Jason (Jamie); great grand daughters: Emilia, Ava and Isla; her sisters: Kathleen (Dale), Janet (Fred), Judith (Robert), and many nieces and nephews and dear friends.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made, in her name, to one of the following: the Alzheimer’s Foundation, American Cancer Society or Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) research.
Colleen helped me into my very first starter home in 1998. She was a superb realtor that knew every aspect of the game and relished the conquest. A true pro that made what could have been a frightening coming of age experience so fun and adventurous. We did nothing but laugh after every showing, South Minneapolis fixer upper after fixer upper…until, pencil behind ear, shiny SUV to a screeching halt we found the “one” and flipping open probably the very first clamshell phone I ever saw Colleen did her magic and would not quit.
“This,” she said “This is THE dollhouse! Oh ya!”
I will never lose that memory of my youth. She was so very spirited, positive and warm and will live on so whenever I reminisce.
Sometimes you meet the right people at the right time. I will aways think of her laughing. Rest In Peace.
I was glad to have met Colleen. It was a great evening at your house in Roseville. She was clearly fun and that attribute was passed on to you my dear friend. My thoughts are with you and your entire family.
I last saw you for coffee in Braham. I wished you happy birthday every year . I would get no response. Now I know why. Glad we met @ Curves. You were our realtor and a very nice lady & friend. Always had a story & alot if laughs. You are missed!!!