Christine D. Johnson

1971 - 2017

Johnson, Christine D.

Christine Denise Johnson, age 45 formerly of Iola passed away unexpectedly on February 5, 2017 in Satsuma, Florida. Chrissy was born June 6, 1971 in Cold Spring, NY. She is survived by her parents, Gary and Betty (Morey) Johnson of Iola, WI; her significant other, Lukas (Luke) Fuhrmann, of Satsuma, FL; her maternal grandmother, Helen Morey, Waupaca, WI; great aunt, Jean Morey of Waupaca, WI; great aunt and uncle, Stanley and Martha Fornal of New Windsor, NY; great aunt, Elizabeth Zalewski of Maryland; great uncle, Carl Pfeiffer of Stoughton, WI; and a great aunt and uncle, Bob and Lorraine Kelly of Syracuse, NY. She is also survived by aunts and uncles Bill and Marcie Morey, Marion, IA; Russell and Lynn Morey, Menasha, WI; Tom and Cheryl Morey, Daphne, AL; Linda Backler and Jim Kubinek, Amherst, WI; and Carol Berlik, Appleton, WI. Included are 12 first cousins and numerous 2nd cousins.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather Philip Morey, Waupaca, WI; and her paternal grandparents Arthur and Helen (Fornal) Johnson, Newburgh, NY; great aunt and uncle, Joseph and Mary Travis, New Windsor, NY; and great aunt, Julia Chase, New York, NY.

She previously lived in Newburgh, NY her first 22 years, and then moved to Wisconsin with her parents in 1993. She attended school in Newburgh, NY graduating high school in 1989. She briefly attended college, but did not complete her education, due to her illnesses of Type 1 Diabetes, and Epilepsy. She was active in the local 4-H Club during her youth. She loved animals, especially dogs. One of her favorite projects was raising a "seeing eye dog" for an organization called Guiding Eyes for the Blind. She raised a black Labrador puppy named "Stitch" for a year teaching the dog how to adjust in many challenges like stairs, water, moving vehicles, shopping, church, sidewalks, people and other animals. Stitch was then turned over to Guiding Eyes for the Blind for final training. Christine and her parents attended Stitch's graduation, at which time Stitch was given to a blind recipient. It was a sad but proud parting for Christine. Guiding Eyes for the Blind was very thankful for her contribution to the blind.

Christine loved boating and fishing with her parents, and during the late 1980's Christine became a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary at the encouragement of her father who was an active member. She completed her boating safety course, and assisted in patrolling the Hudson River. She was an active member in NY till she moved to Wisconsin with her parents. After moving to Wisconsin, she met Luke Fuhrmann, the love of her life, at a Coast Guard Auxiliary meeting. Luke was also a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. They have been together ever since. They both loved NASCAR racing. They enjoyed watching races on TV, and even attended some live races.

Because her father was part Polish, he loved Polka music, which rubbed off on Christine. She especially loved going to Polka Dances and listening to Polka shows on the radio. Her favorite Polka band was "Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra" out of Florida, NY which performs all over the country. Play a Polka tune, and she was in her glory. One of her favorite pastimes was playing Scrabble with her Mom, Grandma Morey, and Aunt Jean. Win or lose, she loved the competition and being with family.

Christine and Luke eventually moved to the state of Florida around 2007 where the weather was mild. She was always happy and outgoing and though she had to deal with her illnesses of Type 1 Diabetes and Epilepsy, she bravely endured them her entire life, and was very grateful for Luke's love and care in her final years. She is now blessed with peace and happiness in her new and glorious eternal home in heaven with the Lord, and her family and friends who have passed before her. May our Lord and Savior guide us and lead us till we meet Christine again in heaven.

Funeral visitation will be held on Thursday, February 16 at Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca, WI from 5 pm to 8 pm. Visitation will also be on Friday, February 17 from 10 am to 11 am followed by a Funeral Service with Father Amal from St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, and Pastor Bryan from Trinity Lutheran Church. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting with arrangements. Interment will be at Pleasant Valley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in the name of Christine Johnson to the American Diabetes Association or the Epilepsy Foundation.