Kathee Johnson

Kathee Kerness Johnson, 71, of Duluth, died peacefully, Monday, March 4, 2013, at the Benedictine Health Center in Duluth, after a courageous six-year battle against Chordoma.

Kathee is survived by her children, Kelly (Weston Wehr) Johnson, Kyle (Nicole) Johnson, and Kaley Johnson; her grandchildren Jonah and Samuel Wehr, and Ally and Ella Johnson; her sisters, Layne Whiteman and Jill Christie; her brothers, Victor (Madonna) Kerness and Lance Kerness; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Kathee was preceded in death by her husband Harley; mother and father, Doris and Morris Kerness; and brother-in-law Richard Christie.

Kathee's family truly appreciates the loving care, which she received, from the doctors, practitioners, nurses and staff at the Benedictine Health Center and Westwood Assisted Living. Immeasurable gratitude is expressed to Dr. David Hamlar of the University of MN Hospital, Fairview, for his dedication, skill and compassionate care. Additional gratitude is expressed to Dr. Hamlar's colleagues, the staff and the nurses of the ENT clinic; Dr. Tim Rich, Essentia Health, Duluth for his friendship and guidance throughout the battle; Dr. Rolando Rosas, Essentia Health, Duluth, his colleagues and the staff of the ENT Department; Dr. Stephen Haines and Dr. Matthew Hunt, University of MN Medical Center, Fairview, Department of Neurosurgery; Dr. Paul Gardner, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Neurosurgery Department; Dr. Carl Snyderman, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Neurosurgery and ENT; Dr. Ken Dornfeld and the nurses and staff at Essentia Health Radiation Oncology; The staff of Essentia Health Radiology Department; Dr. Ramachandra Tummala, University of MN Hospital, Fairview, Vascular Neurosurgery; The nurses and staff of the University of MN Hospital's ICUs and the 6th floor; Dr. Cassandra Schamber, Pain Medicine, Duluth; The Duluth Fire Department Paramedics and Gold Cross Ambulance Service for their prompt responses and professionalism; and Essentia Health Hospice Services.

Kathee's church family at LPC was a constant source of support and love through visits, cards, and prayers and will forever be appreciated.

A celebration of Kathee and Harley's life will be held at Lakeside Presbyterian Church, Saturday, March 9, at 3pm, with visitation from 2pm-3pm.

Memorials may be made to Lakeside Presbyterian Church, the Benedictine Health Center Foundation, or the MN Veteran's Center-Silver Bay.