Joan Louise (Larson) Johnson, age 69 of Ellsworth, Wis., passed away on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. She was born on Oct. 1, 1954, in Red Wing, Minn. to Gerald and Dorothy (Cook) Larson. She attended River Falls High School, graduating with the class of 1972. She worked at many places and retired from Bergquist in Prescott, Wis. in 2018. In 1973 she gave birth to her only child, and son, Joshua David Larson. On Oct. 11, 1986, she was united in marriage to Dennis L. Johnson at Bethel Covenant Church in Ellsworth, Wis.
Joan was a beacon of joy, her infectious laughter and ever-present smile illuminating the lives of those fortunate enough to share in her company. As a steadfast friend, she never missed an opportunity to celebrate birthdays, always extending heartfelt gestures that spoke volumes about her genuine kindness. Joan’s sense of humor was a constant source of delight, often expressed through playful pranks that added a touch of levity to the lives of everyone around her. She often said, “I refuse to get old” and she held true to that.
Her enthusiasm for life knew no bounds. From engaging in storytelling sessions to cheering on her favorite football team, attending the Pierce County Fair, and delighting in the splendor of car shows, Joan embraced a wide array of interests. Her love for camping, reflected in memories from her vibrant younger years, was complemented by the thrill of an unforgettable trip to Florida. Joan was deeply woven into the fabric of her community, attending craft shows and local events, embodying the spirit of togetherness.
Making history as the first woman to undergo hunter safety training in the state of Wisconsin, Joan’s adventurous spirit was truly unique. She found solace in the simple joys of life, taking her cherished dog, Tegar, on multiple walks a day along the scenic trails of Ellsworth. Joan’s appreciation for life’s small pleasures extended to her fondness for knick-knacks, each one carrying a story and a memory.
Above all, Joan was an unwavering pillar of support and love for her family. Her dedication was fierce, creating a bond that will endure in their hearts as a testament to the remarkable woman she was. Joan’s legacy is not only in the laughter she shared and the memories she created but in the love that continues to echo through the lives of those she touched.
Joan lives on in the heart of her loving son, Joshua, daughter-in-law Genelle, grandchildren Tanner (Bethany), Taylor, and Ethan, great-grandchildren, Rhett, Sterling and Braelynn; siblings, Karen (Eddie), Lee (Joe) Falteisek, Jim (Carrie) Larson and Rita (Larry) Krzanich. She also leaves behind her furry companion Tegar and a very special friend Joey Pechacek, many nieces and nephews and her favorite gal pals.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Gerald and Dorothy, her loving husband, Dennis, her mother and father-in-law, Joyce and Kenneth Johnson, grandparents George and Tillie Larson and Art and Martha Cook, a nephew, niece, brother-in-law and all her aunts and uncles.
A Funeral for Joan will be at noon Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, at Bethel Covenant Church: W8405 County Road KK, Ellsworth, WI. 54011. The visitation will start at 10 a.m. until the service. Interment will be at Bethel Covenant Cemetery.
Services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth, www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com, 715-273-4421.
