Laverna Emma Johnson

LaVerna "Lee" Johnson was born on April 1st, 1938. She grew up in the small town of Montevideo and would take her children to visit the home she grew up in. She was always so excited to go to “Monti” and would share so many of her fond memories. Lee was an avid swimmer and loved synchronized swimming as a teen. She was also a lifeguard where she fell in love with the sun. Lee would tan in early spring and that tan stayed with her throughout all the seasons. Lee and Les Johnson moved to Coon Rapids in 1960. It was such a great neighborhood for families and friends. The Friday nights were filled with laughter as all the adults gathered around someone’s front steps. Lee and family often vacationed with the neighborhood to places like Hoot Owl resort. The neighborhood was “family” and Lee's kind, fun and loving personality and sometimes silliness was cherished by many. Lee became a very independent woman. She loved to entertain, and every holiday had its own set of decorations. Her Christmas specialty was homemade Tom & Jerry batter and Peanut Brittle. Of course, no one can forget the family spaghetti recipe that was served at most occasions. Lee did a good job of trying to replicate our dad’s version. We would laugh at the competition but loved it all. Lee had a passion for Country music. She loved all artists and taped the CMA awards for years, however her deepest passion was for Vince Gill. She saw him in concerts several times and even got a picture taken with him at Bunker Golf Course. She said she once literally bumped into Elvis Presley in Las Vegas, probably her second passion. Other fond memories include how much she used cool whip. She put it on everything :). She also had quite a collection of cows and loved to take pictures of cows. Lee met a dear friend Marvin Anderson who became a big part of her retirement life. Lee and Marv spent winters in Arizona and did so much traveling around the globe. Lee also loved Paris, Prague, and especially the Netherlands. She always had a camera in hand to capture the moment! Lee’s last ten years or more were impacted by Dementia. However, she always smiled and was loved by so many people who cared for her. Everyone commented on her sweetness and of course her beautiful hair. Lee is survived by daughters, Kim (Mark) Albers, Tammy (Greg) Vyskocil; grandchildren, Jason Abbott, Chris (Brittany) Vyskocil, Cassie Vyskocil, Kayla Johnson; and eleven adorable great grandchildren; brothers, Clair and Darwin Knorr. Lee was preceded in death by son, Steve Johnson, great-granddaughter, Gabriella; and sister, Shortie Bisgaard. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions we will need to push the celebration of her life. Please check back here for more information. The family appreciates all the kind words we have received so far. “Go rest high on that mountain. Your work on earth is done” We love you mom! Always and forever in our hearts.

Tributes

Laverna Emma Johnson

April 1, 1938 - April 25, 2020

Tributes

Laverna Emma Johnson

April 1, 1938 - April 25, 2020

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