Anita Mary Johnson, at the age of 59, on February 17, 2023 joined her mother and father Bertha (Fournier) Johnson and Delbert Johnson in God’s presence. She was surrounded by her brothers Larry Johnson of Gladstone, Terry Johnson of Perkins, Greg Johnson of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, her sisters Sandra Hoefgen of Menominee, and Diane Stafford of Ixonix, Wisconsin, her in-law’s Cindy (Larry) Johnson, Barbara (Terry) Johnson, Bobbie (Greg) Johnson, Scott (Diane) Stafford, Paul (Sandra) Hoefgen and Fr. Brandon Yanni from All Saints Parish in Gladstone.
Anita was a life long resident of Perkins where she lived with her mother and father until their passing and then her brother Terry and his wife Barbara in the family home in Perkins. Anita was born with Downs Syndrome and went to school as one of the first students at the John F. Kennedy School in Gladstone, later the school moved to Escanaba and became the DSISD Learning Center. After graduating she worked at Lake State Industries until her health began to fail. Even with her disabilities Anita continually enriched our lives, the countless blessings she brought will be forever in our hearts. Her warm smile and eagerness to help, especially with babies, was a constant joy. In her final years she was a resident at the Adult Learning Systems group home on Lake Bluff. She passed away at St Francis Hospital.
Anita is survived by her aunt Agatha Branstrom of Perkins, her siblings, their spouses, her many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and their spouses.
Our family wishes to thank the staff at OSF St. Francis Hospital Special Care Unit for their loving care and consideration of Anita and her family in her final time. We also wish to thank her second family at the ALS group home for their loving care in her final years. Finally, we wish to thank Fr. Brandon Yanni of All Saints for his prayers and ministry to Anita and us, her family, in her final moments.
The family will receive friends on Friday, February 24 from 4:00 to 6:30 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Blessed Rosary services will be conducted at 6:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, February 25 at 11:00 AM at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Perkins with Fr. William Ssozi officiating. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall. Anita will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.
Mark Kossow - Corvallis , OR
Rest in peace cousin. Childhood memories will never be forgotten. You’ll always be a shining example of a wonderful human being. ❤️
Earl & Millie McNally Sr. - Rapid River, Mi
Anita will always hold a special place in my heart. Every since I was little I remember going to Aunt Bertha’s for family card games. Anita would play barbies with me and also we would watch cartoons too. She was such a sweetheart and we always gave hugs when we parted. My childhood was made so much sweeter by Anita’s loving heart. As I grew older, Anita and I still always shared hugs, “coffee” and she always had a smile on her face. She would even be silly with my husband and tell him to come over for that cup of coffee. My dear sweet cousin rest in peace in God’s loving arms and wrapped with our Blessed Mother Mary’s mantle. I hope one day we will meet again and I will greet you with that big hug and sweet smile. Love you Anita…always have..always will. God bless.
Earl and Millie McNally (Alexander) - Rapid River, Mi
Anita will always hold a special place in my heart. Every since I was little I remember going to Aunt Bertha’s for family card games. Anita would play barbies with me and also we would watch cartoons too. She was such a sweetheart and we always gave hugs when we parted. My childhood was made so much sweeter by Anita’s loving heart. As I grew older, Anita and I still always shared hugs, “coffee” and she always had a smile on her face. She would even be silly with my husband and tell him to come over for that cup of coffee. My dear sweet cousin rest in peace in God’s loving arms and wrapped with our Blessed Mother Mary’s mantle. I hope one day we will meet again and I will greet you with that big hug and sweet smile. Love you Anita…always have..always will. God bless.
Tracy Meshigaud (Fournier) - Escanaba, Mi
I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Anita was a huge part of my childhood and I loved her dearly. I use to love going out to aunt Bert’s to play Barbie’s with her and watch tv. I have so many fond memories of her being and my grandparents (Harvey and Ramona). Thinking of you all!
Dave Strom - Gladstone, MI
My condolences to the Johnson family. So many fond memories of visits to your house as a kid. I was fortunate enough to reconnect with Anita, when I took a job driving bus for the Lakestate workers. God Bless Anita for the joy she shared with all of us.
Dave Strom
Mike. Fournier - Escanaba, MI
You were a fun girl an a true Green Bay fan .they always won no matter what . An a big part of the family we will all miss her
Love mike an family
Barbara Uhl - Crivitz, WI
Thinking of your family as you celebrate Anita’s beautiful life. Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Robert Blalock and Family - Escanaba, Mi
Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family. Anita will be missed.
Joanne Hieshetter - Menominn, Mi
So sorry for the loss of your Angel. She was dearly loved by your family.
C. Bernard - DeTour Village, Mi
Sending our condolences to the Johnson Family. So sorry for your loss of Anita.
She was very a very special girl!
May she rest in peace.
Love, Cheryl & Dennis
Jeanne Gilbert - Valparaiso, IN
Sorry about losing your sister Anita. I know God will give you strength to endure the sadness. It was many years ago, I spent time with all of you. I especially remember how much I loved your Mom’s meatloaf. May God Bless everyone of you. Love across the miles…Jeanne
Mary & Tony Van Damme - Rock, MI
I miss the days when we took our girls to mass when they were little. I miss seeing the same faces in the same spot in the same pew…and Anita was one of those faces. After mass she would ask Tony where is Mary if I wasn’t there and she would ask me where Tony is if he wasn’t there…and she invited us for “coffee.’ We should have taken her up on that. Miss you Anita.