Delores J. Johnson, 78, died peacefully, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, surrounded by family and friends after a courageous 14-month battle with cancer. The daughter of the late Gust and Mary Demboski was born on May 9, 1935, in Iron River, Mich.
She was a 1953 graduate of West Iron County High School in Iron River. After graduation, she moved to Milwaukee to further her education. On June 23, 1956, she married Edward Johnson. They moved to Pulaski, where they established roots and raised their family. Edward preceded her in death in 2003. Delores worked at many area businesses including Northern Shoe, Arnie’s IGA, Schreiber Cheese and Maplewood Meats. She was a faithful member of Assumption B.V.M. Parish in Pulaski, where she regularly attended Mass until her health started to fail. She enjoyed cooking, baking and playing an occasional card game. She also cherished walking with her friend, Barb, and spending time Up North with family. Most of all, she enjoyed being with family for birthdays, weddings and anniversaries. She was always one of the first ones there to help prepare things and the last one to leave to make sure things were cleaned up and taken care of.
Survivors include her children, Mike (Claire Anderson), Pulaski, Kathy (Bruce) Watruba, Mountain, Bob (Kathy) Johnson, Shawano, Jeff (Maria) Johnson, Wautoma, and Mary Beth (Dan) Klann, Howard; grandchildren, Wes (Amy) Johnson, Green Bay, Taylor (Adam) Gee, Sterling, Ill., Samantha Johnson, Howard, Joe (Jill) Nickolai, Pulaski, Brandon (Alisha) Nickolai, Howard, Josh (Kelly) Nickolai, Pulaski, Karissa (Johnson) Kunschke, Shawano, Kayla (Tyler) Johnson, Shawano, Army Spc. Dustin Patterson, Fort Stewart, Ga., Jonathon Klann, Madison, and Jessica (Jason) Hale, Madison; brothers-in-law, Len (Jan) Johnson, Manitowoc, Dave (Betty) Johnson, Pulaski, and Herb (Cindy) Peterson, Manitowoc; sisters-in-law, Hilma (Bob) Hubbard, Pulaski, and Ina (Don) Lamb, Milwaukee; many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by sisters-in-law Effie Rass and Pat Wobzal and brothers-in-law William and Gary Johnson.
Friends may call at Assumption B.V.M. Church, 119 E. Pulaski St., Pulaski, on Thursday after 10:30 a.m. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:30 p.m. Thursday at the church, with the Rev. Patrick Gawrylewski, O.F.M., presiding. Burial will take place, in the spring, in the parish cemetery.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.marnochafuneralhome.com.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Lynch and the staff of Bellin Cancer Team and Cheryl, Gloria and Monica of Unity Hospice, for their outstanding care.