Colleen R. Johnson, age 67, of Jordan, MN, passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family, early Sunday morning, February 6, 2022, at her home. On behalf of Colleen’s family, thank you to friends and family for your support and prayers. A special thank you to the hospice care team at Park Nicollet.
A celebration of life will be held honoring Colleen on Saturday, March 12, at 11 am, with a time of gathering starting at 9:30 am, both at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake, MN. She will be laid to rest at a private family burial, at Spring Lake Cemetery, in Prior Lake.
Colleen Ruth was born on November 10, 1954, to Clarence and Elsie Kunze, in Shakopee MN. The seventh of nine children, she spent her earlier years growing up in Prior Lake. In her teenage years, the Kunze family moved to Bemidji, MN, where Colleen graduated from Bemidji High School.
Returning to the Prior Lake area, Colleen started working for the Sheriff’s Office in 1975 as a “Clerk Typist” and was promoted to a 911 Dispatcher three years later. She worked her way up the ranks, earning promotions to Dispatch Supervisor, Dispatch Sergeant, and finally Dispatch Lieutenant. Colleen retired in 2010, after 35 years with our office. She was dedicated and passionate about helping others – not only those calling for help but with her coworkers as well.
Colleen lived a simple life. She loved being a mother to Lori and grandma to precious granddaughters, Chloe and Alexa. Colleen also found great companionship for over 30 years, with Jeff Jacobsen. They were each other’s best friends. Colleen embraced each holiday to the fullest making them special for everyone and birthdays were celebrated all month long! Memories were also made around the backyard pool and drifting on the pontoon with family and friends. Through the years, Colleen enjoyed playing softball, bowling, lunch with the gals, watching fireworks and traveling. She loved gardening, canning, cooking, driving in the Camaro, and especially her beloved pets.
Colleen had a huge caring heart and always had your best interest in mind. She was protective, hard working and knew the right comfort food to make for you! Colleen was a strong-willed German gal, with a little bit of French to get her into trouble at times!
Forever loved and missed by daughter, Lori Triden; friend and partner, Jeff Jacobsen; granddaughters, Chloe Triden, Alexa Triden; siblings, Audrey (Dave) Arndt, Kathy (Jim) Hainey, Mark Kunze, Al (Anna) Kunze, Nancy (Jeff) Gray; wonder puppy Kaley; many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Colleen is preceded in death by parents, Clarence and Elsie; brother Karl Kunze; sisters, Sharon Caduff and Mary Kunze.
