Barbara Joy (Nelson) Johnson

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Johnson, Barbara Joy (Nelson) age 89, Bloomington, MN and Rio Verde, AZ died peacefully on February 19, 2018, surrounded by her children and other family members. Barbara was born on September 4, 1928 in Pine City, MN. Barbara is preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, Donald; her parents, Vern and Joyce Nelson; and her sister, Kay. Barbara is survived by her children Marcy Jackson (Rick) of Bainbridge Island, WA: Bryce Johnson (Jody) of Mahtomedi, MN; Craig Johnson (Karin) of Minneapolis, MN; and Curtis Johnson (Nancy) of Plymouth, MN, her ten grandchildren: Sara (Danielken), Kris (Carol), Louisa, Andrew (Jennifer), Dana (Moeko), Kyra (Tyler), Kellan, Ky, Allison and Brennan, as well as ten great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Nola Moriarty and brother, Jerry Nelson. Barbara graduated from Pine City High School, then attended St. Cloud Teachers College where she pursued a degree to become a medical secretary. She worked in this field in Tucson, AZ and Minneapolis, MN before she married Don. Barbara volunteered in many arenas including as a Girl Scout leader, at the Clinton Closet, as a women's fellowship leader and choir member at Richfield United Methodist Church, on community boards in Rio Verde. She was also active in PEO, the Womens Auxiliary of the Minneapolis and Minnesota Dental Association where Don served as President. She loved family trips and travel with her husband, was an avid reader, a great cook and consummate hostess. She loved to weave, enjoyed golf and skiing, and thoroughly enjoyed playing games and doing creative activities with her grandchildren. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and a loving friend to so many. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. at Friendship Village in the Friendship Hall on Saturday, February 24, 2018 (8106 Highwood Drive, Bloomington, MN), with visitation one hour prior to service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to EAF (Employee Assistance Fund at Friendship Village) to honor the dedicated staff and caregivers at Friendship Village or Good Samaritan United Methodist Church. Interment at a later date at the Johnson Family Cemetery in West Rock, MN.

Published on February 21, 2018