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Avis Johnson Obituary

Johnson, Avis D. Found peace on December 17, 2015 at age 89. Dear friend of Mary Theisen, Mary Horton (Mark Carstensen) and Bev McCarthy. Avis was the adoring "Gran" of Cactus, Maude, and Mini. She will be missed by friends and former students and colleagues. Avis earned her Bachelor's Degree in Art from Milwaukee County Teachers College (now UW-Milwaukee), her Master's Degree in English from Marquette University, and a French language Certificate from l'Ecole Normale Superieure de Saint-Cloud. She was fluent in French and had a special interest in English literature and art history. Avis was a longtime teacher of French and English at Oak Creek High School. Avis was an avid reader and life-long learner whose large personal library contains books of all categories. She traveled to all but one of the continents but most extensively in Europe where cathedrals, art museums, and historical sites were of major interest. Additionally, Avis loved the performing arts, particularly the opera. She attended many theatre and opera performances in Milwaukee, Chicago, and New York. Renata Tebaldi and Dame Kiri te Kanawa were her favorite sopranos and she never tired of listening to them and other classical singers. A celebration of Avis's life will be held in the spring of 2016. If so desired, memorials can be sent to a charity of your choice, the Humane Society or Hometown Hospice in Milwaukee.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Dec. 20, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
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Kim Wippich

May 30, 2022

Former student: 1971-1972 - French/English Lit...
Mrs. Johnson was the best teacher I ever had. One of the very few people I'd say I admired, and had a huge influence on my life and my thinking.
To this day, I think of her often. More than one would expect.

David Jasmer

September 5, 2016

Avis came to a new rural high school and helped it become a place of distinction. May the Lord God establish Avis' soul where the Just repose. For the mercies of God, and the Kingdom of Heaven, let us ask of Christ, Our Immortal King and our God.
David L. Jasmer, Ed.D., D.Min.

Rosemary Popa Icossipentarhos

January 19, 2016

I think of her every time I speak French (which happens more often than you'd think!). Interesting that she died at 89, since she always said in French class that she was 93 (quatre vingt trois) although in our second year, we caught her out and made her up it to 94. And I remember how she had us format our essay papers in freshman English (one inch borders on plain paper, using ruled paper below to keep our lines straight and even). Wonderful woman, great teacher!

Jodie Freiburger (jozefacki)

December 22, 2015

Mrs. Johnson was the best!! I had many college courses where I remember facts that she taught us in College Prep English. My love of theater is due to her influence. I only wish I would have had her in Freshman year, instead of Senior year. Gods Peace to her family and friends.

Deborah Schulz

December 21, 2015

Ms Johnson was my favorite High School teacher for both English Literature and French. Being in French Club was so much fun. I look back at those memories with fondness for this amazing, stern but confident teacher. Rest in Peace.

Lee Clasen

December 21, 2015

Ellen was right on with the kudos for Mrs. Johnson. Avis worked us hard, but it was for our good. Those who had her as a teacher at Oak Creek High School were taught an attitude of self-confidence and hard work! R,I,P, dear Avis.

December 21, 2015

Avis Decker Johnson was my most memorable teacher, and influenced my life choices as such teachers do. Her high standards were legendary, but I speak for many when I say that her "tough love" approach to teaching helped us grow both academically and personally.
Ellen Last, Ph.D.

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Max A. Sass & Sons Funeral and Cremation Mission Hills Chapel - Franklin

8910 West Drexel Avenue, Franklin, WI 53132

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