Karen M. Johnson

Karen M. Johnson, age 69, of Berlin, was called home by our Lord on May 1, 2017 surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on September 4, 1947, in Milwaukee to George and Jessie Crimmings. Karen was a 1965 graduate of Berlin High School and earned a degree in secretarial services from University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. She was married to her soulmate, Ronald L. Johnson on January 30, 1971, in Marinette, Michigan and they enjoyed 46 years of marriage. During her life, she was employed by First National Bank, the Berlin Journal, Leach Farms, Mercury Marine and was the proud owner and operator of the Racer’s Edge, a NASCAR memorabilia store for almost 15 years. Karen was a busy woman. She didn’t sit down for long and she was always doing something for someone else. She loved to travel, especially to NASCAR races where she and Ronnie often went with their close friends, Emil and Barb Burmeister. Karen’s love for travel took her and her best friend, Barb on many adventures that they would later reminisce and laugh about. Karen had one beloved daughter, Valerie (Randy) Whiteaker and two much-loved grandsons, Griffen and Grayson who she talked about all the time. People would say, “She waited a long time for those grandkids and she was so happy and excited to have them in her life.” Karen had many, many treasured family and friends. She was a great listener and confidant who saw the good in everyone. There was always a place at her table if you needed it. Karen never asked for much for herself. She lived modestly but she lived happily. She had a zest for life and would find joy in simple things. Karen was strong in her beliefs. She was a devout member of All Saints Parish (formerly St. Joseph’s Catholic Church) her entire life. Karen is survived by her husband, Ronald; her daughter Valerie (Randy) Whiteaker; brother Jack (Debbie) Crimmings; sister Judy Jodarski; sisters-in-law Luanne Johnson, Candy (Bradley) Joram, Melanie (Peter) Arthurs; grandsons, Griffen and Grayson Whiteaker; best friend, Barbara Burmeister; and many friends and other relatives. She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Jessie Crimmings; parents-in-law, Lester and Lorraine Johnson; Uncle and Aunt, Maurice and Val; niece, Erin Arthurs; and special friends, Sharon Lenz and Emil Burmeister. A celebration of Karen's life will be held at the VFW Wells Krause Post #2925 in Berlin beginning at 5:00p.m.

Karen M. Johnson

September 4, 1947 - May 1, 2017