Shirley Jean Johnson

Shirley J. Johnson, 81, of Rochester, MN passed away Thursday, July 25, 2019 at home surrounded by her loving family. Shirley Jean Storm was born June 22, 1938 in Mattoon, Illinois the daughter of Truman and Mary (Kirk) Storm. She graduated as salutatorian of her class from Windsor High School in Windsor, Illinois. She continued her education earning a bachelor's degree at Winona State and later her Master's degree in Education at University of Minnesota. Shirley was united in marriage to Robert Emil Johnson on January 12, 1957 at Ash Grove Christian Church in Windsor, Illinois. In 1972, they made their home in Rochester where they raised five children. Shirley worked as the Director of Clinical Education for Respiratory Therapy at the Mayo Clinic until her retirement. Shirley raised and showed beagles, was an expert seamstress, gifted piano player and a master at gardening; including planting and maintaining their apple orchard in Oronoco. She liked watching the MN Twins and loved spending time with her family and sharing the joys of gardening with her grandchildren. Shirley is survived by her five children, Marcia (Charles) Meisch of Altura, Robert A. (Edith) Johnson of Rochester, Melanie (Rusty) Sorensen of Mazeppa, Warren Johnson of Loveland, CO, and Brenda Johnson of Yuma, AZ; ten grandchildren, Amanda (Jonathan) Algyer, Melissa (Walton) Stone, Robert A. (Lexi) Johnson, Zachery Johnson, Matthew (Michelle) Jaeger, Rachel Meisch, Joe Sorensen, Jackie Sorensen, Jason Johnson, Lisa (Matt) Maya; twelve great grandchildren; sister, Carol (Tom) Gelwicks of Minocqua, WI; brother, Kirk (Mary Lena) Storm of Auburn, WA; extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert E Johnson; sisters, Isabelle, Rosemary, and Evelyn; brother, Don. A funeral service will be held 10:30 AM Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place Dr. NW, Rochester, MN 55901. Visitation will be held 4:00 to 7:00 PM Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes and one hour prior to the service. Shirley will be laid to rest next to her husband, Robert, at Oronoco Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the donor's choice. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Johnson family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com