Johnson, Janice Kay

Janice Kay Johnson, 82, of Mineral Point passed away quietly on November 26, 2024, at home in her favorite spot, with her husband James at her side. She was born April 21 1942 in Heron Lake, Minn. She was the daughter of Leon and Grace Clark.  In December of 1964 she married James Huston Johnson.  She earned a BA degree in Biology from Mankato State, and also a masters degree in Horticulture.  As an outdoorsy  type, she had a huge variety of plants to tend.  And usually Merlin, their beloved cat was close by.  In the early years of their marriage, they were stationed in France, while James served in the Army.  Not long after, they lived and taught in Ecuador, South America at the American School.   Some years later, Jan worked in Marketing for Northrup King and Pride Seed.  She was head of seed sales and the Alfalfa program.

   She is Survived by her husband James, her siblings; David (Sue) Clark, Kansas City, Missouri, Nancy (Tom) Ashenmacher, Hudson, Wisconsin,  Michael (Nicola) Clark, Robbinsdale, Minnesota and twin sister, Mary Strasser, Rochester, Minnesota; Abdul Wahab, a very dear member of the family, and his wife Dany, her long time Care Partner Sue Sigg and Peter Erbach, who was her first watercolor painting student.  Jan was preceded her in death by her parents and her sister Shirley.

   Jan was a familiar sight rolling the uptown streets, in her power chair, wearing her favorite colorful serape, a floppy hat, and her serene smile.  She was very community-minded, and active in the Mineral Point art scene.

She was one of the founding members of AMP, (Arts Mineral Point) and would do all she could to boost economic development of her town.  An outstanding water color artist, her home was filled to overflowing, with dozens of beautiful, original works. A few years ago when Multiple Sclerosis took her painting ability away, she began making sculptures, one handed. MS did not get her down. If anything it raised her up. She had fortitude, courage and strength, and was a gracious mentor and teacher in so many areas of life!

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Mineral Point with Fr Christian Maxfield officiating.   Burial of cremains will be at a later date.  

She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and community.  Her favorite saying was....." We will simply proceed with business as usual"  WE LOVE YOU JAN!

Gorgen Funeral Home

www.gorgenfh.com