At the age of 75, Constance “Connie” Johnson unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2016, at Mala Strana Health Care Center, New Prague, MN. For over four decades, she was a resident of Jordan, MN.
The family will greet guests on Friday, September 2, from 4-7 pm at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, Jordan Chapel and one hour prior to the Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, September 3 at 10 am, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Jordan, MN. Father Timothy Yanta will preside. Connie’s six grandchildren, son Philip; son-in-law Roger and grandson-in-law, Jason will act as pallbearers. She will be laid to rest next to her daughter, Colleen, at a private family burial on Monday, September 5, at St. Joe Cemetery, Jordan, MN.
Over her life time, Connie had a lot of firsts in her life. She was the first baby born at St. Francis Hospital in Shakopee, on April 30, 1941. Connie was the first and only child to parents Alphones and Elvira (Weinzierl) Notermann. Attending St. Mark’s Catholic School, Connie was the first in her class, holding the honor of Valedictorian. She furthered her education at Shakopee High School. Dedicated to her studies, Connie once again found herself being first in her class.
Throughout Connie’s life, family was first and foremost important. She first became the loving wife to Clarence Johnson. The two of them first met in the Mankato State University library. It was also here, where Connie earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education and in Psychology. She and Clarence dated for a couple of years and on December 26, 1964, they exchanged wedding vows at St Mark Catholic Church in Shakopee, MN. Connie and Clarence were blessed first with a set of twin baby girls, Colleen and Peggy. Philip and Janel followed in the coming years.
Connie and Clarence’s first home was in Michigan, where he was a school teacher at the time. They later moved the family to Shakopee for several years, before building the first true home in Jordan in 1973. This home is the same home where she welcomed and cared for her six grandchildren over the years. Connie loved to be in their presence and part of the grandchildren’s lives, with never telling any of their secrets! She was the first one they would call when needing help with homework, especially with math or spelling.
Traveling was a desire, which Connie and Clarence shared together. They were fortunate to explore the sights of every state west of the Mississippi River. Connie and Clarence especially relished the vacation to Italy, where they were blessed to see the Pope. Another first in her life. A fantastic cook, she never skimped on ingredients. Connie seemed to always add just a bit more of the sweetness to everything she made. The meal was not complete unless there was dessert!
Connie first greeted you with a smile, followed by her caring and wonderful personality touching your heart. She made such an imprint on so many lives. Connie’s legacy will continue being lived on in her husband of 51 years, Clarence; children, Peggy (Roger) Pasek, Philip Johnson, Janelle Marotzke; grandchildren, Charlotte, Alisha, Cortney (Jason), Kallie, Katelyn, Nicholas; other relatives and friends.
There to greet Connie in heaven was her first born daughter, Colleen and parents.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation was honored to serve and care for the Johnson family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
