"We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Carolyn. Our condolences and prayers to Mark and family. Gary and Diane Evenson"
In loving memory of
Carolyn M. Johnson
November 22, 1961 - December 23, 2018
Carolyn M. Johnson, 57, of Rushford, MN died on Sunday, December 23, 2018, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI, following a sudden brain aneurysm.
Carolyn Marie Hanson was born on November 22, 1961, in Winona, MN to Orvin and Beverly (Carpenter) Hanson. She was raised in Rushford and was a 1981 graduate of Rushford High School. For several years, during and following high school, Carolyn worked in the bakery at Rushford Foods. On August 19, 1989, she was united in marriage with Mark Johnson at Rushford Lutheran Church in Rushford. She later worked as a cook in the Rushford - Peterson Schools. For the last 21 years, Carolyn and her husband, Mark have owned and operated Norsland Lefse in Rushford where she managed the kitchen. Carolyn was a member of Rushford Lutheran Church and was a 4H leader. Her family was the centerpiece of her life. She was very supportive and attended all her children's activities. Carolyn was a very hardworking and loving person who was constantly doing for others. Carolyn's heart was filled with so much love. She left this earth giving the gift of life to a multitude of others through organ donation.
She is survived by her husband, Mark; mother, Beverly Hanson of Rushford; two children: Paige (Charles) Martin-Stanley of Iowa City, Iowa, and Marshall Johnson of Rushford; four siblings: Wyanita (Bruce) Ferden of Forest Lake, MN, Craig (Vicki) Hanson of Rushford, Lori (Terry) Pelzl of Cape Coral, FL, and Larry Hanson of Rushford; sisters-in-law, Jackie (Joe) Kjos, Christi (Scott) James, Brenda (Tom) Crews, and Michelle (Steve) Larson; 14 very special nieces and nephews; and 13 very special great-nieces and nephews.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her father, Orvin Hanson, and mother-in-law, Beverly Johnson.
There will be a funeral service for Carolyn at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 5, 2019, at Rushford Lutheran Church with the Reverend Steve Chellew officiating. Burial will be in the Rushford Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service in Rushford and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the Church.
Tributes
"I'm so sorry for your loss. Although I don't know any of you personally, I've talked to Mark on the phone a few times when he has ordered from us so I feel a connection of sorts. May you be given strength and comfort from all who feel your pain. "
"Paige, Charles, Mark & Marshall and to all your extended families. I am so sad to hear about your beautiful Mother?s passing. Such a tragic loss. I met her at your wedding she was so happy and just aglow, so comforting you have all those memories and pictures. She has blessed so many lives being a donor, what a special Angel. My condolences to you all. "
"Carolyn you will be missed. Aunt Beverly and family I'm so sorry for your loss I wish you all peace and healing Carolyn was full of such joy and caring. she was one of the best cousins I ever had in my life miss you Carolyn. I love you."
"I worked with Carolyn many years at the R-P kitchen so I know what a loving and hard working woman she was. We had so much fun together and will be missed by all those who had a chance to work with her. My prayers go out to the family that they can find comfort in this tragic loss of a beautiful life."
"Mark, Paige, Marshall
When I heard the news of Carolyn's passing it broke my heart. She was a wonderful and loving cousin who radiated that love she shared with her family and those who came into her life. Memories from childhood and to last time I saw Carolyn flood me and are filled with much love. Her smile, the laugh, the hugs will live with us all forever.
Beverly, Wynita, Craig, Lori, Larry, may you find peace and comfort in the memories you cherish and hold. And God give you his peace and comfort and hold you close in his eternal love for each of you."
"So sorry for your loss! I did not know her but worked with her mom Bev at CA. Heard about different things that she would do as a child! I?m sure you have many memories of a very loving and caring wife, mom, and daughter. Sharyn & Marv Vehrenkamp"
"Mark, Paige, Charles, Marshall and family, Carolyn will be missed dearly by so many. May you find comfort through all the wonderful memories. "
"Very sorry for your loss"
"Sorry to hear of your loss. Wish we were closer. She was a wonderful person and great boss. Love and prayers are with you. "
"Our Heart breaks for you Mark and family. She was a wonderful gift and friend in our lives. Blessed be her memory."
"Very sorry for you and your family's loss and I am sure it is devastating news to all. We (Maureen Janelle and me) heard of Carolyn's passing as we were passing thru NM on our vacation. This very sad news just broke our hearts! I loved Carolyn like a sister, so fun, witty, kind and pretty and since she is Janelle and Maureen's cousin why wouldn't I think of her as a sister. I as well as so many others will miss her kind and happy spirit. Sending my condolences to all touched by Carolyn's life and love. Much Love and Big Hugs! Steven Bielak "
"Mark, Paige, and Marshall, We are so very sorry for your loss. What a special person, to be a donor and give life to others. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Linden and Heidi "
"Mark, Paige, and Marshall I'm so sorry for you loss our thoughts and prayers are with you Carolyn was a wonderful woman She always was a kind caring person a great look out on life her spirit will live on in the all of you each and everyone. I'm so glad she was my cousin and a friend. I will miss her so so much I will always love and remember her sweet soul. RIP Carolyn. ?Aunt Beverly, Wyanita, Craig, Lori and Larry. My heart goes out to you all???? May you all find peace in your hearts Love Sonia And Dave! "
"Mark and family~ My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of unexpected loss. She always had a kind word and wonderful bright smile whenever I saw her. She was a very special person and will be missed by many including those who graduated with her! Her spirit will live on in the lives she touched both during life and in death! May angel wings guide you to heaven! RIP Carolyn! "
"Our thoughts and prayers and with you all at this difficult time. RIP Carolyn."
"Mark and family ~ Like so many, I was deeply saddened to learn of Carolyn's passing. Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. I will always remember Carolyn for the kind person she was, and how in her death, she gave so much to a few families by being an organ donor. She was a very special person. "
"My thoughts are prayers are with you."
"Mark and family - Carolyn was a kind and gentle spirit - her generosity is living on with her organ donations. You were so blessed to have her in your life. Please know you are in your communities thoughts and prayers for your loss. "
"Mark, Paige & Marshall - I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Carolyn. I know mere words will never be enough to comfort you all at this time or heal the hole in your hearts. Praying for comfort and peace for you all. "
"Mark, Paige, and Marshall, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Carolyn. There are no words that can heal your heartache, but please know I am wishing you strength and peace during this most-difficult time. May you hold on to the memories to provide you with comfort and serve as guidance. "
"Mark, Marshall and Paige, We want you to know how sorry we are for your loss! Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers! She was a wonderful person and we will miss her smiles and kind spirit!"