Shirley Johnson

Shirley Jean Johnson, 93, of La Crosse, passed away on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at the Benedictine Manor of La Crosse.

She was born in La Crosse on October 14, 1927, the only child born to Vaughn and Betty (Peterson) Johnson. She attended La Crosse schools and was a 1945 graduate of La Crosse Central High School. Shirley married Robert L. “Bob” Johnson on June 7, 1946. Bob preceded her in death on September 12, 2000.

Shirley began working at the age of 16 as the night switchboard operator at Northern States Power. After her marriage to Bob, she became a stay-at-home mom until her children were in high school. She then worked for Doerflinger’s and Optical Fashions in La Crosse for many years before retiring. In her retirement years, Shirley enjoyed volunteering at the La Crosse Public Library.

Shirley and Bob lived in La Crescent for 25 years where they were members of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and Shirley was active in the Ladies Guild. Shirley was also a member of the American Legion Post 595 Auxiliary and served at its President at one time. After moving to La Crosse, Shirley became a member of English Lutheran Church. One highlight of her life was having the opportunity to travel to New York with the church choir and sing at Carnegie Hall.

Shirley was blessed with four wonderful children who survive her, Nancy (Tom) Meyers, Kathleen (Don) Hill, Patricia (Tom) Korish, and Robert “Bondo” (Sue) Johnson, Jr. She is also survived by her grandchildren and great grandchildren, Jill (Morry) Welch and their children, Jack and Joey, Stephanie (Dean) Lodding and their children, Lexi and Lani Pietrantonio and Liam Lodding, Todd (Kim) Korish and their children, Mercedes, Madilyn and Meredith, Kristi Korish Hemmersbach (Mark Seebauer) and her sons, Tanner and Simon, Tabatha (Jim) Little and their daughter, Valerie, Jennifer (Jordon) Peterson and their children, Mason and Colton Schroeder and Halie Peterson, and Jules Stock and her children, Gage, Cash and Shade Bridgford.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 9th, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 200 West Ave. So., La Crosse, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Rufus Parker will officiate. Burial will follow in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers and can be given to the organization of the donor’s choice in Shirley’s memory.