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Duke University Hamline University

Karen Johnson Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 13, 2011.

Johnson, Karen 59, recently of Concord, NC, died December 27, 2010 at Duke University in Durham, NC. Karen was born in 1951 to warm and loving parents, Melvin and Lucille Johnson of Moorhead, MN. As the eldest child, Karen was a curious and studious child (books were a constant companion). She attended school in Moorhead and graduated from MSUM with degrees in English and German. Karen married and gave birth to her sweet daughter, Anne. While living in Moorhead, Karen worked for Cass County Social Services. In the early 1980's, she moved with her family to the Atlanta, GA area, where she worked for the Screen Actors Guild. Karen was always a great storyteller and delighted in recounting all the happenings and personalities that came into her office. In 1990, Karen returned to Minnesota and taught German and English at Orono Middle School, Long Lake, MN. She thoroughly enjoyed her years of teaching and always looked forward to opening minds and challenging each student. Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church in St. Paul, MN was her sanctuary and nourished her soul. She sang in the choir and loved to move with the gospel music. Poetry was Karen's creative outlet. A prolific artist with words, she could spin visuals evoking every emotion imaginable. Karen was always excited by other cultures and their music, poetry and teachings. Even while battling cancer, Karen continued her quest to learn by working on coursework towards a Master in Fine Arts degree at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. Karen is survived by her parents, Melvin and Lucille Johnson, Moorhead, MN; daughter, Anne (Allen) Kinsey, Concord, NC; sister, Marilyn (Bryan) Cochran, Danville, CA; brother, Eric Johnson, Kansas City, MO; nephew, Curtis (Cathy) Johnson, Laguna Nigel, CA; and niece, Caitlin Johnson, Lanexa, KS. Please keep Karen's loved ones in your prayers as they will miss the gentleness of her nature, the kindness of her spirit, and her unwavering love of God and humanity. A memorial service will be held at Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church in St. Paul, MN on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.

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February 1, 2011

Someone posted to the memorial.

January 14, 2011

Someone posted to the memorial.

January 14, 2011

Someone posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

February 1, 2011

I still can’t believe that Karen is no longer with us! I am among the privileged few who knew Karen as both a close friend and colleague. I taught next door to her at Orono Middle School for several years. No matter what frustrations I may have encountered during the school day, Karen was always nearby to help me chill out and put things into perspective! She was a joy to be around and such a living contradiction! Though she taught German, she was fanatical about Zorongo Flamenco and must have seen them perform dozens of times! Karen was obsessive about grammatical correctness, yet was one of the most unstuffy people you would ever meet. When I moved away ten years ago, we continued to stay in touch and met whenever I was in town. I saw her as recently as Thanksgiving 2010, when we were both in northern California visiting family. She was radiant, sexy wig and all, and as positive and exuberant as ever! I am SO THANKFUL that I got to see her that one last time, sharing news and laughs galore. I will miss her quick wit and infectious laugh, keen intellect, hilarious anecdotes and her incredible beauty, both inside and out! To Karen’s family: Thank you for helping to shape her into the tremendous human being that she was. Your loss must be immeasurable. I loved her like a sister and will miss her terribly!

With love,

Helene Wise
Rosarito, Mexico

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January 14, 2011

I was fortunate to teach with Karen for many years at Orono Middle School. She always had a beautiful smile for all and a warm, friendly, positive attitude. I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure you have many wonderful fun memories and hope they will help comfort you.
God Bless, Linda Anderson

January 14, 2011

I met Karen during a writing class at Hamline. She was always very encouraging of other works and offered good advice for how to make others writing stronger. She was a good story teller. I am so sorry for your loss and the loss of Karen to our writing community.

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