Rose Johnson

Rose Ann Johnson, 66, of Duluth, MN passed peacefully on Saturday, March 8, 2014 in Essentia St. Mary's Hospital.
Rose's first medical miracle occurred when she was born prematurely on November 24, 1947 to Raymond and Marie (Durham) Kramer in St. Cloud. She attended St. Ann's School in Wadena, MN, St. Francis Catholic High School in Little Falls, MN, and Bemidji State College - where she earned a degree in Elementary Education.

Rose met her devoted husband, Percy, in November of 1965 and they were married at St. Ann's in 1968. Rose student taught in Wadena and she later took career-long positions teaching Kindergarten through 3rd grade at St. Rose School in Proctor, MN. Rose and Percy raised their four children in their home on Pike Lake in Duluth. In 1993, she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. After her successful treatment, her full-time career transitioned into volunteer positions at St. Rose and in the gift shop at St. Mary's Hospital.

She cherished vacationing on the East Coast with Percy. They never took their time together for granted. Rose especially loved having Percy home after he retired from Minnesota Power.

Rose treasured her friendships formed in Beta Sigma Phi, TOPS, Arthritis Foundation, Canosia Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, bowling leagues, St. Vincent de Paul, and Bible studies. She looked forward to Franciscan retreats and sorority and TOPS conventions, and large family gatherings.

Rose loved reading, playing cards and games while spending time with her family and friends. She kept a close relationship with her mother, Marie. She also enjoyed her children and grandchildren's concerts and her grandchildren's sporting events. She was a faithful member of the St. Raphael's Church family. Her love of Jesus and Catholic faith were the foundation of her life and work.

Rose endured many medical difficulties in her life. After her open heart surgery in 2004, God blessed her family and friends with ten additional years with Rose.

Rose passed away from a recently detected Lymphoma but she will be remembered for her resilient spirit and wholesome wit. She was artistic, insightful, creative and loved to sing. She always remained a very gentle and kind person who saw the good in everyone.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Timothy, her father, Raymond, and her father and mother-in-law, Elmer and Janette Johnson and brother in-law, David Scott.

Rose is survived by her mother, Marie Kramer; her best friend, caregiver, and loving husband of 45 years, Percy; her children Rochelle (Bill) Bergstrom of Superior, Catherine (Jeremy) Olson of White Bear Lake, Annette (Anthony) Merritt of Hermantown, and Andrew of Duluth; grandchildren Britta, Annika, and Brock Bergstrom, Julie and Henry Olson, and Simon and Chloe Merritt; her siblings George (Terri) Kramer, Bernie (Harold) DeBlieck, Diane Johnson, and Bruce (Pam) Johnson; sister-in-laws Hollie Scott, Gail (Steve) Nadolske, and Carlene (Jamie) Cole; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, Canadian relatives, and friends.
The family would like to thank the many dedicated doctors and nurses who assisted Rose over the years and the St. Mary's ICU teams for their perseverance and kindness this past month. Thank you, God, for Rose.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 12 in St. Raphael's Church, Duluth, Rev. Dale Nau presiding. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 11 in Dougherty's Funeral Home and from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Mass in St. Raphael's.

Interment will take place at the Canosia Cemetery in the spring.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. 2nd St., Duluth, MN (218)-727-3555.