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Kathryn "Kay" Johnson passed away peacefully, on October 3, 2010, at Parmly LifePointes. Born Kathryn Jean Nelson, on December 2, 1934, at Bethesda Lutheran Hospsital in St. Paul, MN, she was the only child of Phillip and Margaret Nelson. She was raised at Squirrel Beach Resort, on South Lindstrom Lake, on the "line" of Lindstrom and Chisago City. As a result, she attended both Chisago City and Lindstrom Schools, graduating from Lindstrom Chi-Hi School in 1952. She attended St. Cloud State University for two years to study teaching.

She married Charles Wesley "Ace" Johnson, June 4, 1955. They raised two children, Robyn Kay and Ross Michael.

Her working years included a variety of positions; waitressing at the well remembered Rainbow Café in Lindstrom in her younger years, in the office of the Chisago County Press, allowing her to assist in research during the years Wilhelm Moberg was here researching his books, and she was a major player assisting her parents in running the "Beacon Inn" restaurant. These all led her to her most cherished position - as teacher's aide at both Chisago Lakes Primary and Lakeside Schools. It was there that she looked forward to going to work every day to see "her kids". Forced to retire in 1997 after 22 years due to health reasons, she missed her work, "her kids" and her co-workers every single day. She will be remembered for the wonderful wife, mother, and friend, she was; but also for her love of gardening, her incredible cooking skills, her love of dancing and swing music, World War II history and old movies, her love of children and helping them learn, a fabulous sense of humor, and her devotion to her many friendships.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Phillip and Margaret Nelson. She is survived by her husband Charles Wesley "Ace" Johnson; daughter Robyn (Michael) Savold; son Ross (Andrea) Johnson; grandchildren Katie and Molly Savold, and Morgan, Tyler and Hallie Johnson; God daughter Claudia (Bruce) Hagberg; many cousins, relatives and friends. She touched many lives and will be missed greatly by all who knew her.

Funeral Service 11 a.m. Thursday, October 7, 2010 at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Lindstrom. Visitation 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom and one hour prior to service at church. Interment at Hillside Cemetery, Center City. Condolences may be left online at www.grandstrandfh.com.

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