Mary A. Johnson

Mary A. Johnson, 88, of Cherry Valley, died peacefully surrounded by family Tuesday, April 17, 2018 in Presence St. Anne Center.

Mary was born in Detroit Lakes, MN on July 13, 1929, the daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Schmidt) Riewer. Mary was one of 10 children and they sadly lost their mother at a young age. The struggle of that and surviving through the Great Depression shaped her into a strong and caring person. Early in her career Mary worked for Amerock Corp. where she met her future husband, Lorenz “Johnny” Johnson. Mary was a member of St. Rita Catholic Church for 60 years. She had a passion for singing with the Sweet Adeline chorus for many years. Mary loved her little house in the woods and found joy in decorating it. Her gardens were a showplace! She enjoyed going down to the café several times each week and involved herself in spirited conversation with her friends. Mary adored her family and seeing the generations continue to flourish. Her sweet demeanor and sharp humor stayed with her until the end. The world became a little darker the day she passed. She will be dearly missed.

Mary is survived by her 3 sons, Dale (Mary) Moyer, Cal Moyer (Brenda Hill), and Traci (Barb) Johnson; 2 daughters, Tanya and Twana Johnson; grandchildren, Brittany (Elias) Monreal, Heather Moyer, Jordan (Latsamy) Moyer, Sara (Ed) Huaracha, Brandon (Traci) Toedte, Samantha Mershon, Colton Johnson, Brock Johnson, Macy Adami; great-grandchildren, Lexi (Timothy), Cameron, Cash, Kate, Ruby, Cannon, Adalia, and Arturo; one great-great-grandson, Timothy; one sister, Helen Aasand, many nieces and nephews; step-grandchildren Eppy (Steve ) Bunyard, Eddie (Kim) Adami, Julie (Craig) Anderson, Kelly (Jason) Gibbs, Tony (Nicole) Adami; 7 step-great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband, Lorenz Johnson, 4 sisters, Cleo Marsalisi, Marcella O’Gorman, Bernadine Gallagher, Elizabeth Johnson; 4 brothers, Bernard, Jim, Donald, Jack Riewer, and one infant son, Bruce, who died at birth.

Heartfelt thank you to her dear friends, dedicated caregivers, OSF Healthcare and Hospice, Dr. Barnhart and his incredible team for compassionately supporting her on her final journey.

Gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. immediately followed by a Funeral Liturgy at 3:00 p.m. at the Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory – Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Detroit Lakes, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.fitzgeraldfh.com. Arrangements have been completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford, Rd., Rockford, IL 61108.