Cheryl was born on October 4, 1955 in Minneapolis, MN, to parents Ronald and Mary (Lasher) Johnson. She was the first of four children. Cheryl’s family frequently moved during her childhood, finally settling in Hixton, WI.
After graduating from Black River Falls high school in 1973, Cheryl, and a friend, took a vacation out west to Arizona. It was on this visit that Cheryl played her first round of golf. Conventional or miniature golf, she enjoyed both equally. Cheryl enjoyed a variety of activities, such as: card and board games, volleyball, long walks, and camping. Her most enjoyable activity—hands down—was fishing. Whether on a boat; off the dock; or from the shoreline, fishing, gave Cheryl tremendous pleasure, and peace.
Forty two years ago, Cheryl met the love of her life, and future husband David Johnson. In 1974, they met on a blind date at a bowling alley in Minnesota. David often mentioned that it was her big blue eyes, and gentle demeanor that captivated him. They had a whirlwind courtship, and after only three months, David proposed to Cheryl. Unwilling to wait for a traditional wedding, the couple eloped to Chicago (much to the chagrin of Cheryl’s mom). David and Cheryl rededicated their lives to one another, and to God, in a church ceremony later that year.
Cheryl held many jobs throughout her life, ranging from nursing assistant to caretaking, and managing multiple apartment complexes; however her most rewarding path in life was as a devoted wife and mother. David and Cheryl became the proud parents of two sons, Craig and Aaron. They lost a baby early on in their marriage due to a medical mishap. Cheryl would grieve the rest of her adult life over this loss.
Cheryl and her family lived in several suburbs of the Twin Cities; until 1986, when they finally settled in Prior Lake. Here, Cheryl enjoyed cooking for family and friends. She loved roses, butterflies, and everything Christmas! She enjoyed the worship services and socializing at Friendship Church. During the late 1990s, Cheryl became very ill with a myriad of diseases, and autoimmune disorders. She would feel better for short periods of time, and then another round of symptoms would plague her. She really did fight the good fight. She was a gentle, giving person in life, and even in her physical death, she continued to give through the donations of her corneas, bone, and tissues for burn victims.
We look forward to seeing her again… radiant, and filled with joy.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, October 1 at 1 pm, with a visitation one hour prior, all at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake, MN.
