Dorothy "Dot" Johnson

Dorothy Jean Johnson ended her earthly journey peacefully on February 29, 2020, after more than 91 years, surrounded by loved ones. Dorothy was born the youngest child of Peter and Anna (Rapko) Hodowanic on January 28, 1929.

She grew up on her parents’ dairy farm in rural Gilman, attending Sunnyview School through 8th grade.  Her faith was grounded in the Russian Orthodox tradition, attending St. John’s Orthodox Church, Huron.  She married Merton Johnson on November 13, 1946, at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church,  Clayton, Wisconsin.

Upon marriage, Dorothy and Merton purchased her parents’ farm and operated it until 1980.  It was there she raised their nine children, instilling in them a strong work ethic and values to guide them in their lives.  Dorothy was an equal partner on the farm, not afraid of hard work in order to provide for her family.

Selling the farm in 1980, Dorothy and Merton moved to the Lake Wissota area, where each continue to work in new ventures.   Dorothy pursued CNA training and worked for many years at the Heyde Health System, retiring to care for her husband after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.  Dorothy loved to keep busy, especially outdoors.  Her gardens and flowers were her delight and they gave her great pleasure.   She was a feisty lady who, though small in stature, was always ready to stand up for what she believed, trusting her oldest son, Donald’s ultimate sacrifice in the Vietnam war,  gave that freedom to all.

Dorothy will be deeply missed by her eight surviving children and twelve grandchildren:  Wayne Johnson, Gilman; Rev. Jim (Claudia) Johnson, Milton, their children: Eric and Michael Johnson, Sarah (Travis) Baysinger;  Richard (Monica) Johnson, Gilman, their children: Mikel (Chris) Olynick, Victoria (Kyle) Noonan, Adam Johnson;  Dale Johnson, Menomonie, his children: Nathan and Kathryn Johnson; Phyllis (Wayne) Schmidt, Eau Claire; Debbie Weedman, Fort Wayne, IN;  Carol (Mark) Bowe, Chippewa Falls, their children: Kendra (Luke) Olson, Kayla (Justin) Bowe;  Christine (John) Wickland, Chippewa Falls, and  their children: Alexa and Aiden Wickland.

She is further survived by eight great-grandchildren, Brayden, Allison, and Averie Olynick;  Cullen, Norah and Odin Noonan; Nolan Johnson, and Ryker Baysinger; sisters-in-law, Jeanne Hodowanic of Gilman and Ellen Hodowanic of Chippewa Falls; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Merton, son, Donald, daughter-in-law, Patti Johnson, and siblings: John, Mike, William, Andrew, Alex, Steve Hodowanic, Tillie Lauer, Mary Blau.

A service celebrating Dorothy’s life will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1300 Mansfield Av, Chippewa Falls, on Saturday, March 7, 2020, at 11 AM, with Pastor Jim Johnson officiating. The family will greet family and friends from 9 AM until the time of service. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Stanley.

Memorials may be directed to St. John’s Russian Orthodox Church, Huron; St. John’s Lutheran Church, rural Gilman;  Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls, or to a favorite charity. We thank Our House Memory Care and St Joseph’s Palliative Care for their excellent care for Mom during her last years as well as St. Joseph’s Hospice during her final days.