Shirley D. Johnson

Johnson, Shirley D. (Nee Schmidt) Formerly of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin and Bonita Springs, Florida, died peacefully on Saturday, March 24, 2018, age 92. Dear wife of 68 years of Jay L. Johnson. Beloved mother of Ann, Thomas (Ann), Allen, and Richard (Nancy). Devoted grandmother of Charles, Benjamin, and Owen Johnson. Further survived by dear sisters-in-law Lily Schmidt and Joan Wenger, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Preceded in death by her parents Willmer and Edna Schmidt, and siblings Helen Strehlow and W. Grant Schmidt. Her grandfather, A.A. Schmidt, was a founder of the current Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Services. Shirley exemplified her family's dedication of service to others. Shirley's faith, family, and music were central to her life. A proud native of Milwaukee, Shirley graduated from Washington High School in 1943 and from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois in 1947 with a degree in Music Education. At her first teaching position in Stockton, Illinois, she met her future husband on a blind date. They raised their children in Menomonee Falls where Shirley was an active member of Emmanuel Community United Methodist Church as organist, junior choir director, and lay leader. She created and taught an ecumenical Sunday school class for special needs children. As a talented soprano, organist, and pianist (as well as the granddaughter, daughter, wife, and sister of funeral directors), Shirley was frequently called upon to sing and play at funerals. Starting with her own community, Shirley was committed to making the world a better place, and worked to support social justice and improve the lives of the most vulnerable in our society. In the 1950's, she and another young mother organized the first UNICEF drive in the Falls. Following the illness of a friend in the 1960's, she established a local chapter of Recovery, Inc., a mental health self-help organization. In addition, she organized FISH, an ecumenical organization of over 250 volunteers in seven communities which provided transportation, child care, meals, and emergency services to residents in need. In later years, Shirley was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs where she sang in the choir, accompanied soloists, served on committees, and forged many deep friendships. Ever the teacher, she tutored migrant workers in learning English. She also volunteered at the Cafe of Life, serving meals to the homeless and families in need. Feeling strongly that protecting and preserving our environment is crucial, Shirley was also involved in conservation and recycling efforts in Bonita Springs. The family lake cottage in Wisconsin was an important spiritual retreat for her and she cherished her time at Pine Lake, puttering in her flower garden, bird-watching, baking fruit kuchen, playing Scrabble, meditating, and just being with family. She sought to stay fit with golf, yoga, swimming, biking, and walking. Shirley was a wise, kind, compassionate, fun-loving, and spirited mother and grandmother, and a loving and devoted wife. She sought to see and encourage the best in everyone. She believed in the power of prayer. She took a keen and sincere interest in people, and was a valued friend to many. She always had time for someone in need and always had time to listen. Shirley possessed a strong and independent spirit and was always game for a new adventure. She taught her children to value - and expected them to practice - the qualities of service, integrity, honesty, kindness, and compassion. Even though some memories were dimmed in recent years, her inner light continued to beam forth brightly with love and gratitude for all her blessings. Until her last day on Earth, Shirley continued to be joyful, curious, amazed, and delighted by Life and the people and experiences around her. She was still drawing people to her and making new friends. By her example, she challenges us to be better citizens, and more loving and expansive souls. A celebration of Shirley's life will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at Emmanuel Community United Methodist Church, N84 W16707 Menomonee Avenue, Menomonee Falls. Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the time of service at noon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pipe Organ Fund of the Emmanuel Community United Methodist Church http://www.ec-umc.com/ways-to-give/ and the Cafe of Life http://www.cafeoflife.org/