Karolyn Johnson

Lake Mills - Karolyn “Ki” R. Johnson, age 75, passed away Monday, December 27, 2021 at Meriter Hospital in Madison, WI. Karolyn was born on October 5, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois to Robert H. and Dorothy E. (Sherry) Johnson.  She was the older sibling to Kathryn and Karl Johnson.

Robert and Dorothy moved to Milwaukee, WI, where Karolyn attended school and was actively involved in various church activities during her youth. Eager to join the workforce, she graduated early from Pulaski High School in January of 1964.

Karolyn eventually moved to Madison. While working at Manchester’s Department store, she met Wayne W. Johnson II in 1967.  They were married on June 7, 1969.  While Wayne was completing basic training for the Wisconsin Army National Guard, Karolyn set up their new home in Chicago, Illinois.

Wayne and Karolyn were eager to start a family. When they were unable to have children of their own, they decided to adopt. Karolyn could not have been more excited for the arrival of their son David in 1975. Wanting to provide the best life for him, they decided to relocate to the smaller community of Alpena, Michigan.  In 1978, Karolyn and Wayne expanded their family by adopting their daughter Laura. The family moved back to Madison, WI in the early 80’s. Wayne and Karolyn purchased the Schenk-Huegel Company, where Karolyn worked as the bookkeeper for 28 years.  Owning a family business, allowed Karolyn to have flexibility to be available to David and Laura. Other than a six week period of time when she was hospitalized following a major surgery, Karolyn never missed an event for her children. She sat through volleyball tournaments for David, softball tournaments for Laura, piano recitals, countless band concerts, dance lessons and recitals. You never had to ask if she would be present for David or Laura; it went without saying.

Karolyn’s love for music, specifically the piano, was fostered by her own father who was a brilliant musician. Karolyn herself was a talented pianist who brought joy to those around her when she played. Karolyn’s love for music was passed along to her son David. She encouraged his love and talent for music.

Karolyn enjoyed spending time with her daughter Laura, watching television shows from the 1980’s like Dallas, going to the movies, traveling, shopping, and decorating for the holidays. Anyone who visited Karolyn’s home at Christmas time, surely remembers how beautiful she made things for her loved ones.

Once Karolyn’s children had grown, she couldn’t wait to become a grandmother.  Ingrid, Robbie, Owen, and Elliot brought so much joy to her life. Karolyn enjoyed taking Ingrid to karate lessons and was as proud as could be when Ingrid earned her black belt. Karolyn would also sit trackside cheering for Robbie as he raced at the Jefferson Speedway.  As Karolyn’s began to experience more health issues, she was often saddened by the fact that she wasn't able to be as involved with her grandchildren as she had once been.

Karolyn struggled with health issues for the past few years. She handled difficult times with grace. She rarely worried about herself or talked about how she was feeling. She was more interested in how her loved ones were doing. Karolyn’s kindness and compassion were evident until the very end.  Karolyn will truly be missed.

Karolyn is survived by her mother, Dorothy E. Johnson; husband of 52 years, Wayne W. Johnson II; children, David (Sara) Johnson and Laura (Cliff) Rucks; grandchildren, Ingrid and Robbie Rucks, Owen and Elliot Johnson; sister, Kathryn Johnson; brother, Karl (Cheri) Johnson.  Karolyn was preceded in death by her father, Robert H. Johnson; maternal and paternal grandparents; and in-laws.

Visitation and funeral service will both be held on January 5, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church (346 W. Pine St., Lake Mills, WI). Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. A luncheon will immediately follow the service.  Karolyn will be laid to rest at Roselawn Memorial Park (401 Femrite Dr. Monona, WI) on January 6, 2022, at 2:30 p.m.

Family would like to thank all of Karolyn’s medical providers with UW Health, Meriter Hospital ICU, and Agrace Palliative Care for the kindness, compassion, and care provided to our beloved Karolyn.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

201 Bue Street, P.O. Box 376, Deerfield

(608) 764-5369