Beverly Johnson

Beverly Ann “Bev” Johnson, age 76, formerly of Webster, WI, passed away Thursday evening, September 24, 2015, at Pine Ridge Gardens Memory Care in Hudson, WI. Bev was born in Grantsburg, WI, on September 21, 1939, daughter of the late Forrest Frank “Tuffy” and Mavis Helen (Schoonover) Newcomb. Bev grew up in the town of Oakland, attending the Oakland School through 8th grade, and was a 1957 graduate of Webster High School. She then attended Wisconsin State College in Superior, enrolled in the two year course in Rural Education, graduating in 1959. Her first teaching position was at the one-room Lone Pine School. On April 1, 1961, Bev was united in marriage to her one and only love, James K. “Jim” Johnson, at Grace Evangelical United Brethren Church in Webster. Bev and Jim made their home in the village of Webster where they raised their two girls, and taught by example the importance of faith, family, and friends, and the value of a strong work ethic. Bev was employed by the Siren School District from 1962 to 1970. During these years, she was a part-time student at Wisconsin State University in Superior. She graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. From 1970 until her retirement in 1998, Bev was employed by the School District of Webster; she taught elementary school students in Webster and Danbury. Every year, Bev read to her students the 1961 children’s novel, “Where the Red Fern Grows,” a heartwarming and adventurous tale about a young boy and his quest for his own red-bone hound hunting dogs. While enduring the journey of dementia, Bev taught perhaps her most meaningful lessons to those who loved and cared for her the last few years of her life. Those were the lessons of patience, acceptance, and understanding. Bev was an active member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Webster, and the United Methodist Women. For many years she organized the cookie walks, and was instrumental in “The Children’s Fund,” a community ministry which provided clothing and school supplies to children in need. Bev also played in the church hand chime choir. A respected mentor and confidant, Bev was a very-giving, genuine, and honest person. Her door was always open and the coffee pot forever brewing. She was deeply dedicated to her family and her profession. She loved being Grandma Bev and giving the grandkids her undivided attention. Bev loved listening to all types of music and played the piano and organ. She enjoyed quilting, bowling, playing cards, golfing, and fishing on Lake Michigan and in Canada. Bev also cherished her travels with Jim to the north shore of Lake Superior and Las Vegas as well as traveling with friends to Hawaii. She also was an enthusiastic Webster Tiger fan and Green Bay Packer fan. Preceding her in death are her parents, Forrest and Mavis Newcomb; her husband, Jim, who passed away on July 16, 2002; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, William and Esther Johnson. Bev is survived by her two daughters: Pamela A. Johnson (Kevin O’Brien) and Susan J. (Mark) Doriott; four grandchildren: Erick Anderson, Jamie Anderson (Joseph Frost), Justin Doriott, and Kristin Doriott; and a brother, Gerald (Marilyn) Newcomb. Also surviving are brothers-in-law, Dale (Marlys) Johnson and Argene (Kim) Johnson; a niece, Lynda (Todd) Moseley; nephews: Jeff (Jenna) Newcomb, Kevin (Ellen) Johnson, and Brent (Rachel) Johnson; as well as great nieces, great nephews, and many dear friends. Bev was fortunate to be touched by the comforting hands of her physicians Dr. Kristin Severson of Hudson Physicians and Dr. Vanda Niemi of Noran Neurological Clinic, the staff of Pine Ridge and Adoray Home Health and Hospice. Relatives and friends may call between the hours of 5:00 and 8:00 pm, Wednesday, September 30, 2015, at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, WI. The funeral service for Beverly Johnson will be conducted at 11:00 am (visitation 10:00 to 11:00 am), Thursday, October 1st at Grace United Methodist Church in Webster with Pastor Eddie Crise officiating. Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Webster, WI. Pallbearers are Glenn Doriott, Mark Elliott, Jeff Gluheisen, Aaron Neurer, Louis Neurer, Ross Tollander, Ryan Tollander, and Jarrod Washburn. Honorary Pallbearers are Jerry Gluheisen, Rusty Helland, Terry Johnson, Jack Neurer, Jim Olson, Jerry Paulus, Ed Peterson, Gene Peterson, Doug Plath, Brian Sears, Denny Shutt, Jack Swedberg, Roger Tollander, Jack Witzany and Dan Zimmer.