Genevieve B Johnson

Genevieve B. Johnson, age 78, of Lake Crystal, died Friday, April 22, 2005 at the Luther Memorial Home in Madelia.

Memorial service 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 27, 2005 at the First United Methodist Church in Lake Crystal with Rev. Kaye Brandt officiating. Private family interment will be in Lake Crystal Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday at Lake Crystal Mortuary. Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church or the Luther Memorial Home.

Gen was born July 21, 1926 in Northfield, MN to Everett and Jane (Cruickshank) Hoover. She was the youngest of five children. Gen graduated from Faribault High School and Miss Woods Kindergarten & Primary School in Minneapolis. Following her graduation, she moved to Lake Crystal to teach first grade. She married Glenn R. Johnson on November 24, 1948 in Faribault, MN. They made Lake Crystal their home with Glenn as a farmer and Gen as a teacher. They had three daughters " Barbara, Roxanne, and Sharon. In September of 1953, Gen contracted polio and was critically ill in Sister Kenny Hospital, Minneapolis. She came home for Christmas that year but then returned to the hospital. Family support was helpful at that time since the girls were 1, 2, & 3 years old. After much rehabilitation, Gen learned to walk and even went back to teach after the girls were in elementary school. Her spirit, courage, and determination were and continue to be an example for her family, friends, and community.

Gen retired from teaching after 19 years. Throughout her life Gen enjoyed activities such as church work, Eastern Star, and get togethers with family and friends. A new era began in 1975 when the first of eleven grandchildren was born and soon after she acquired the name Bunny given to her by her grandson. She enjoyed all aspects of being a grandparent as well as enjoying children in the community. Throughout the years the support and devotion Glenn and Gen shared enhanced their life together. This was especially evident the last 3 ½ years when Gen was a resident in the Luther Memorial Home. They still spent their days together.

Gen is survived by her loving husband, Glenn of Lake Crystal; three daughters and their husbands, Barbara and Dan Thornton of Lakeville, Roxie and Dana Benbow of Budd Lake, NJ, Sharry and Wayne Becklin of Elk River; ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Kasey Becklin; two brothers; and two sisters.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Pastor Kaye Brandt, the staff at Luther Memorial Home and Madelia Community Hospital, and to all the friends who have been part of Gens life.