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Shirley Johnson, age 76, of Isanti died April 13, 2009 at her daughters home in Maplewood.

Shirley Jean Johnson was born October 14, 1932 in St. Paul to Ernest and Mildred Peterson. When she was young her family moved to Isanti. Shirley graduated from Cambridge High School, Class of 1951. On March 7, 1953 she married Norman Johnson. They made their first home on a farm in rural Isanti. Norman was drafted into the Armed Forces. After his service they moved to Coon Rapids; where she was a member of Faith Lutheran Church of Coon Rapids. Shirley worked in the Blaine Police Office for 24 years. In 1972 they returned to Isanti. Shirley was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Isanti over the years and served in many capacities. She had a very strong faith in her Lord and Savior. She was a strong, supportive, loving and caring person with a gift of hospitality who always thought of others before herself. She was always there for her husband and they always worked together. Shirley enjoyed making pies from their home grown apples and she was a member of the Isanti Lioness Club.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Mitzi and by two brothers, Richard and Alan. Shirley is survived by her loving husband, Norman of Isanti; daughter, Brenda (John) Opheim of Maplewood; son, Brian (Susan) Johnson of Grand Rapids; four grandchildren, Kory, Katy, Brittney and Brandin; two sisters-in-law, Evelyn Hogie of Chisago City, Sally Peterson of Stacy and by many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 16, 2009 at Faith Lutheran Church in Isanti with Rev. Valerie Brown-Greenly officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 - 8 p.m. at Strike Funeral Home - Isanti Chapel and also one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church. Soloist Mary Falk, and Shirley Olson will serve as organist. Pallbearers are Kory and Katy Johnson, Brittney and Brandin Opheim, John Esmay and Kevin Hogie. Interment will be in Athens Lutheran Cemetery.

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