Johnson, Doris Evalyn (Steen) Age 95 of Edina, MN, formerly of St. Louis Park, MN passed away peacefully on April 16, 2021. Survived by faithful son Paul (Lori), grandchildren Ryan (Elizabeth), Matthew (Sabrina), and Karly; sister-in-law Frances Mertens, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by loving husband Paul, parents George and Iva Steen, infant brother Raymond, brother-in-law Frederick Mertens, sister-in-law Mary Tarnowski and her husband Ronald. Doris was born and raised in Elbow Lake, MN. She graduated as valedictorian from Elbow Lake High School in 1944. She went on to attend Macalester College, graduating in 1948 with a degree in chemistry. Doris had a lifelong passion for teaching and began her career in Staples, MN in 1948, teaching a variety of science classes. There she met her loving husband Paul. They were married in 1953 and moved to the Twin Cities. In 1953 Doris began a lengthy and rewarding career teaching chemistry at St. Louis Park High School. She had a lasting impact on countless students until her retirement in 1987. Doris was loved and highly respected by the science teaching community as a leader and mentor. She cofounded the Twin Cities Area Chemistry Teachers, served as president of the Minnesota Science Teachers Association, was a popular presenter at science conferences, and was elected to the board of the National Science Teachers Association. On retiring, Doris worked at the Minnesota Department of Education, mentored student teachers at the University of St. Thomas, and served as Executive Director of the Minnesota Science Teachers Association. During her distinguished career, Doris was selected to attend the prestigious Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Sciences and the Dreyfus Institute at Princeton University. She also received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching from President Ronald Regan, enjoying the award banquet at the White House with her husband Paul. Her peers presented her with the Minnesota Science Teachers Award for Outstanding Service in Science Education for her dedication, steadfastness and outreach that live on in the grateful teachers she touched so deeply. After retirement, Doris and her husband Paul enjoyed travel, including trips to Alaska and other destinations. Their favorite place to visit was Breckenridge, CO, where they owned a condominium. While Paul hit the ski slopes, Doris immensely enjoyed shopping on Main Street. Her love for shopping followed her wherever she would go. When not traveling, Doris enjoyed activities with her friends including lunch dates and bridge club. She had a particular passion for chocolate, enjoying treats whenever possible. Doris was a strong woman, devoting her professional career to teaching while enjoying many activities with her late husband, and friends and family. She will miss her many longtime, faithful friends and we know they will miss her as well. Memorial Service Sunday, May 30, 3:00 PM. Visitation one hour prior at Washburn McReavy, 5000 West 50th Street, Edina. Memorials preferred to: NC Little Hospice littlehospice.org/ or Animal Humane Society animalhumanesociety.org/donate/… Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Published on April 25, 2021