Gail Johnson

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Johnson, Gail Marlys 54, of Fridley and Chisago City, died Jan. 25 of cancer at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, surrounded by family and friends. Gail worked for 25 years at the Star Tribune, most recently as a senior account executive in News Marketing. She was born Oct. 18, 1951, and grew up in Lindstrom, Minn. She graduated from St. Mary's High School in Faribault and Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, with a B.A. in theater and English. Gail joined the Star Tribune in 1981 as a secretary in Classified Advertising. She later worked in Circulation and Promotion, before taking her most recent position in News Marketing. During her years at the Star Tribune, Gail worked on many projects, including the Talking Volumes regional book club, Diverse Workforce Council, Celebrates People program, Dealer Express, Fantasy Football, Scoop the Bear, Mindworks, Helping Little Heroes, promotion for suburban sections, and much more. She loved literature and the arts, and was a faithful attender of Guthrie and Talking Volumes events. Gail was kind-hearted, generous and abiding. She actively supported the Adopt-a- Family program for more than a decade, helping low-income families in Hennepin County with gifts during the holiday season. Gail was preceded in death by brother, Gregg Howard Johnson (1946-2004), and survived by parents, Howard and Marlys (Chisago City); brother, Kent (Janet) and special nieces, Sarah and Megan (Deer River) and Kate (Ohio); uncle, Newt (Jane) (Fairmont); aunt, Audrey (Jim) Schedin (Shoreview); aunt, Shirley (Tom) Zeien (California); great aunt, Margaret Hudalla (Oakdale); and many Star Tribune "family" members and friends. Her gentle spirit and positive attitude will be greatly missed by all. Memorial service 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1 at Chisago Lake Evangelical Lutheran Church in Center City, where Gail was confirmed. Family will greet friends one hour before the service. Interment at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, North Branch. Arrangements by Grandstrand Funeral Home 651-257-4000

Published on January 27, 2006