---

Joan Francis Johnson, age 97, of Taylors Falls, MN passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025 at Comforts of Home Assisted Living Center in St. Croix Falls, WI.

Joan was born on September 1, 1928, to parents Francis and Vivadell Boucher in St. Paul, MN. She was the oldest of five children.

Joan was raised in St. Paul, she attended Mattock Elementary School and Monroe High School.  After High School, she held a variety of jobs. She worked as a secretary at the College of St. Catherine; she was a secretary to the Vice President of Reid Ray Corporation where they filmed ads to be shown at movie theaters. While there she met Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, it was quite exciting to meet such famous comedians! She also worked in several retail shops in St. Paul.

With her family, Joan spent many fun summers and weekends in Taylors Falls visiting her grandparents’ farm. Highlights included horseback riding, swimming, berry picking, and going to movies at the St. Croix Theater followed by hamburgers at the “Snack Bar” in TF.  A family road trip to California and back in 1950 was a cherished memory.

Joan married Harold Johnson on December 2, 1972 and moved to his farm in Taylors Falls. Her adventurous spirit shined through with Harold when they would take camping and fishing trips into the north woods over the years. They flew to several remote areas in MN and Canada in Harold’s float plane. They always made it back with big smiles and tall fishing tales to tell!  She loved gardening, especially flowers and was a member of the neighborhood Garden Club.  She was a member of the Taylors Falls Lutheran Church.  In 2000 she received a Certificate of Appreciation from the church for being a member for over 60 years. Family was also very important to Joan; she loved family picnics and getting together with her siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Joan was a favorite Aunt to her nieces and nephews. She was fun and kind, just as a doting Aunt should be!  She loved children and was a regular volunteer at the local elementary school. She was also an animal lover.  Many lucky dogs got to call Joan their person.  Joan spent her final years in Comforts of Home Assisted Living.  Her sister Janet was very dedicated to Joan, visiting her and bringing snacks and treats at least three times a week.  Joan was a favorite of many of the staff.  They affectionately called her Jo-Jo.

Joan is survived by her sister Janet Dibble; brother Jack (Nancy) Boucher, both of Taylors Falls; sister-in-law Mary Boucher of St. Paul, as well as five nieces, four nephews and their children.

Joan is preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Harold; her parents Francis and Vivadell Boucher; brothers Frank Boucher and James Boucher. 

A graveside service was held November 22, 2025 at Kahbakong Cemetery in Taylors Falls, MN. After the service, a Celebration of Life for Harold and Joan was to be held at Taylors Falls United Methodist Church featuring coffee, desserts and a time of fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Animal Humane Society of MN or a pet shelter of your choice.

---