Blanche Ruth Johnson, age 82, of 8505 W.5 Road, Ensign, passed away unexpectedly, November 9, 2011 from injuries she sustained in an automobile accident.
Blanche was born October 1, 1929 in Falmouth, MI the daughter of Warren Orville and Doris Edna (Heric) Wade. She was raised in Lower Michigan until her family moved to the Upper Peninsula during her Jr. year. She graduated from Rapid River High School in 1948.
Blanche was united in marriage to Axel H. Johnson on July 2, 1949 at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. They made their home on the Johnson family farm in Ensign where Axel continued to farm along with Blanche.
Blanche was a member of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River and the Rapid River American Legion Post Auxiliary. She loved bowling and she bowled in leagues for over 42 years. Blanche was an avid baker, reader and gardener. She also enjoyed embroidering, making many tablecloths for her family.
Survivors include:
Son: Andrew (Diane) Johnson of Tomah, WI
Daughters: Kathy (Don) Rushford of Chatham and Colleen (Karl) Soderman of Ensign
Brother: Donald D. (Lexie) Wade of Port Huron, MI
Sister: Dalene K. Benson of Escanaba
12 grandchildren: Jeff (Holly) Johnson, Michelle (Erik) Rantala, Ashley and Brandon Johnson, Patrick, Daniel and David (Emily) Rushford, Karleen (Ryan) Thorbahn, Karl (Amanda) Soderman, Kyle Soderman, Michael and Erica Wilde and 8 great grandchildren: Zach, Taylor, Ethan, Megan, Jake, Maddie, Trevor and Tanner.
In addition to her parents, her husband, Axel, on October 7, 2001, son, Michael, on November 9, 2009, two brothers, George and Edward Wade, and sister, Frances Sarasin, preceded Blanche in death.
Visitation for Blanche is scheduled for Saturday November 12, 2011 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Rapid River American Legion Auxiliary services will follow at 2:00 PM. Funeral services celebrating the life of Blanche R. Johnson will follow at 3:00 PM at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River with Rev. Stephen Gauger officiating. Luncheon will follow in the Calvary Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. Burial will be held on Sunday at the Rapid River Cemetery.
Anonymous
I am so sorry for your loss. May “the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3,4) comfort and soothe your heart. His promises, found in the Holy Scriptures, can offer much hope. It assures us at John 5:28,29 that our loved ones will be remembered and brought back to life in the resurrection. Please allow God’s Word to strengthen you and help you to endure this most difficult time.
Geoffrey B Ford
Baltimore MA
Andy and family: My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
Kathy (Rajala) Groleau
West Bend WI
I’m sorry to read about your mothers passing Dale . Prayers and thoughts are with you
Tony Cline
Lansing MI
Andy, Kathy & Colleen,
I was so sadden to hear of your mothers passing. She was a terrific lady who loved life and her family passionately. I enjoy the visit I had with her when I was in Rapid last October. May you all find peace and cherish your memories of such a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Debbie Broeders Erkert
Glendale AZ
We send our deepest sympathy to all of Blanches family over her untimely death. God must have had need of a special angel. Blanche was really interesting and a fun person. We enjoyed spending 4th of July celebrations in Gladstone for many years with both Blanche & Alex at Rob & Connie’s. It will not be the same now. Our prayers are with all of you.
Al & Dolly Salmi
Rapid River MI & Lake Worth
I have lived in Rapid River since 1993 and have only known Blanche through her many services to our church and our community! She will be missed! My deepest condolences to you through this very difficult time!
Jenny Ware
Rapid River MI
I remember the 2 weeks I spent at Uncle Axel and Aunt Blanche’s in the summer. They were great times. Loved playing with my cousins and taking care of the animals. Kathy, Colleen and Andy you have my deepest sympathy and you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Bannister(Johnson)
Omro WI
Kathy,Colleen,Andy, I’m so very sorry about your mom’s passing,I will keep you in my prayers.Love you very much God Bless.
Linda Nuss
Fort Gratiot MI
Aunt Blanche, we will miss you so much ! we Loved coming to the farm to visit. You will always hold a special place in our hearts. We will hold your memories close in our hearts. Heaven has a new Angel
Randy & Debbie Johnson
Elgin IL