JOHNSON, Sarah Jo 1928-2011

JOHNSON

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 2/22/2023 at 10:14:43

Sarah Jo (Ehler) Johnson
(October 25, 1928 - July 14, 2011)

Northwood Anchor, Northwood, Iowa, Wed., Aug 3, 2011, p.9
Sarah Jo Ehler Johnson, died on Thursday, July 14, 2011, in Mill Valley, California, at the home of her daughter, Grace Kraaijvanger. Sarah was surrounded by family at her passing. For the past seven years Sarah has fought cancer. A funeral service was held at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Mill Valley on Tuesday, July 19 and an open house to celebrate her life was held at the Kraaijvanger home following the service.
Sarah Jo Johnson, was born to Bud and Josephine Johnson on October 25, 1948. She grew up in Northwood, Iowa, the second of six children. Sarah graduated from the Northwood-Kensett High School, attended Loretta Heights College and graduated from the University of Denver in 1971. Later she received her master’s in Public Policy from the University of Oklahoma. She moved to Minneapolis after college graduation and became an avid Vikings fan. Her first daughter, Grace, was born in Minneapolis in 1975. Sarah and Grace moved to Dallas in 1978. In 1982, Sarah met her beloved husband, Lynn at the wedding of her brother, Tom and Lynn's sister, Kim. Sarah and Lynn were married November 27, 1982 in Omaha, Nebraska. They had four daughters, Grace (Kraaijvanger), Emily, Maggie and Abby Ehler and three grandchildren, Miles Ehler and Jane and Ben Kraaijvanger. Sarah, Lynn and their daughters lived in many locations: Omaha, Colorado Springs, Phoenix, Wichita and Cincinnati. In each of these locations, as Lynn pursued his career as a pilot, Sarah created a wonderful home for her family and was actively involved volunteering at school, in local organizations and at church. Sarah had the gift of celebration. She lived her life with great joy and great courage. Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Josephine Johnson; and her husband, Lynn. She is survived by her daughter, Grace (Arnaud) Kraaijvanger and daughters, Emily, Maggie and Abby Ehler; grandchildren, Miles Ehler and Jane and Ben Kraaijvanger; brothers, Dick, Tom (Kim) and Jim (Gigi) Johnson; sisters, Jane (Jim) Bloomingdale and Margaret (Mike) Vellon; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Contributions in Sarah's memory may be made to her favorite charity, the Free Store Food Bank.