Gwendolyn "Gwen" Johnson
October 13, 1926 ~ April 19, 2020
Age 93 of Forest Lake. Passed away peacefully with her children by her side on April 19, 2020.
Preceded in death by husband of 64 years, Bob; grandson, Nicholas Swanson; parents, Theodore and Jessamine (Jaeger) Hanson of Vermillion, SD; siblings, Lowell (Betty) Hansen, Yvonne (Douglas) MacMartin, Mark (Gwen) Hansen, brothers-in-law, Douglas MacMartin and Larry Gilbertson and sister-in-law, Betty Hansen. (sister-in-law, Gwen Hansen passed away a few hours later the same day.) Gwen is deeply missed by son, Richard (Rebecca); daughters, Debra (Dan) Campanaro and Jan (Earl) Dick; grandchildren, Andrew (Yvonne) Schmidt, Alex (Anne) Johnson, Sam (Kendra) Johnson, Matthew (Sarorn) Swanson, Cody Dick and Logan (George) Charles; 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Janet Gilbertson; sister-in-law, Jacqueline Walker; other relatives and friends.
A graduate of the University of South Dakota, Gwen and Bob moved to Forest Lake from Vermillion, South Dakota in 1949, where they were active in the community and built many lifelong friendships. Gwen had a mean left bowling hook, a steady putter and clever bridge skills. She was an avid reader with a keen interest in news and current affairs. A longtime active member of Faith Lutheran Church, Gwen could be described as having a positive attitude, strength of character, and appreciation of others. A classy lady, she will be remembered for her kindness and her love of family and friends.
A celebration of Gwen’s life 11 AM Friday, August 13th with visitation beginning one hour prior at Faith Lutheran Church, 886 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake. Inurnment at Faith Lutheran Columbarium. Memorials preferred to Faith Lutheran Church or the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation. Gwen's service can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3DJ7INj6ek
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My deepest sympathy to Gwens family. I had the good fortune to know Her most of my adult life. She was smart and funny with always a twinkle in her eye. I loved her and was blessed to call her my friend.
My husband and I were incredibly fortunate to bowl on a mixed league with Gwen and Bob way back “in the day”. We were the youngest in the group and there was a lot of fun kidding about that, but Gwen and Bob were such a treasure. They were a very cool couple who held each other in such high regard. They were funny and current and very quick witted! Loved spending time with them both. I was fortunate in recent years through my work in senior care to reconnect with Gwen. I am blessed to have those times. She touched many people, I value her opinion and insight. She will be greatly missed.
Deb and Dick, So very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Yes, what a “classy lady” with an amazing smile and kind heart! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Corinne (Schneider) Valder
I remember a coffee cake she made for us when we had a sleepover. It was the best coffee cake I’ve ever had. She put Sara Lee to shame, and served it with a smile, even though I’m pretty sure we’d kept her up all night. God speed, sweet lady.