age 75, of Plymouth, MN, loving & devoted mother, grandmother, wife, and friend to all whose lives she touched passed peacefully on July 20, 2020 at home with her husband and daughters by her bedside after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born March 23, 1945 in Mpls., MN, she graduated from the U of MN as a dental hygienist. During her career, she worked for the MN Dept. of Health and private practice. She married her loving husband, Dr. Richard Leif Johnson December 1965 and spent 55 years building a wonderful life together.

Karen loved her beautiful family and was proud of their precious babies and grandchildren. Exceptionally talented, she was an accomplished classical pianist, past choir director at the Granite Falls United Church of Christ, photographer, bird watcher, painter, avid reader, and created beautiful handiwork. She was an Eastern Star member, Past President of the St. Croix Yacht Club Auxiliary, Girl Scout leader, and member of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church. She had an affection for all animals great and small especially her faithful dogs.

With a love of adventure and appreciation for nature, she and Richard along with their family traveled extensively throughout the US and Europe and cruised the rivers of MN in their boat. Karen was especially fond of the New Forest area in England. It was the memories of times spent in Exbury gardens that comforted her during her illness.

Karen is proceeded in death by her parents, Arnold and Phyllis Reed. Survived by her cherished husband, Richard Leif Johnson; daughters, Karie Johnson and Babs (Colin) Martin; grandchildren, Graham, Anna, and Maddy; nephews, Tory (Paula), Blake, and Blaine.

A private interment will take place at the Lakewood Cemetery Mausoleum in Mpls., MN. Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

____________________________________________

GOD’S GARDEN

God looked around His garden and found an empty place.

He then looked down upon this earth, and He saw your tired face.

He put His arms around you and lifted you to rest.

God’s garden must be beautiful. He only takes the best.

He knew that you would never get well on earth again.

He saw that the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb.

So He closed your weary eyelids and whispered “Peace Be Thine.”

It broke our hearts to lose you… but you didn’t go alone.

For part of us went with you the day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories. Your love is still our guide.

And though we cannot see you, you are always by our side.

Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same.

But as God calls us one by one the chain will link again.

____________________________________________

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL

When peace like a river attended my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll. Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say it is well, it is well, with my soul

It is well with my soul It is well with my soul It is well, it is well with my soul

Published on July 26, 2020