Dorothy R. Johnson

Dorothy R. Johnson, 87, died Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at Benedictine Manor in La Crosse.  She was born in Elizabeth, NJ, to John and Catherine (Rossner) Rieder. Following graduation from Jamesburg High School in New Jersey, Dorothy worked as a teletype operator and bookkeeper.

She and Melvin “Mel” Johnson were married on September 19, 1954 in Old Tennent Presbyterian Church, Tennent, NJ. They moved to La Crosse and had two children—first Bob and then Marilyn, two years later.

A 50-year member of First Presbyterian Church, Dorothy was a Sunday School teacher, deacon, and elder. Her community service roles ranged from Cub Scout Den Mother to Brownie and Girl Scout Troop leader, from YWCA board member to Mobile Meals volunteer. Dorothy loved to bake, cook, knit, sew and travel. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Mel; son, Bob (Lisa) Johnson of La Grange, IL; daughter, Marilyn Johnson of La Crosse; grandchildren, Emily Johnson of Washington, D.C. and Nate Johnson of Los Angeles, CA; sister-in-law, Norma Cox; nephew, Doug (Kathy) Cox; and niece, Robin (Tom) Clark. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Bob Rieder.

A memorial service with Rev. Margaret Jumonville officiating will be held Monday, October 22 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 233 West Ave. S, La Crosse. Visitation at the church will be on Sunday October 21 from 3 to 5 p.m. and on October 22 from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Private burial will take place in Oak Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer that memorials be given to St. Clare Health Mission or the Alzheimer’s Association.