Gretchen Christine Johnson Ph.D.

Gretchen Christine Johnson, Ph.D.

Dr. Gretchen Johnson of Virginia, Minnesota, died on May 29, 2025 at the age of 81

Welcoming her into heaven were the Lord, parents Bernard and Margaret (Engman) Johnson, brother Peter Johnson, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Gretchen was raised in Virginia, Minnesota. She had a joyful childhood playing in the snow, swimming at Silver Lake, enjoying parks including the fountain, band concerts, and hockey games.

She became an avid skier at Lookout Mountain and she loved snowmobiling in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota.

She is survived by daughters Christine (Michael) Parker of Port Charlotte, Florida and Dr. Bridget (Jeff) Sundell of Ely, Minnesota, brother Warren (Ethel) Johnson of Faribault, MN, grandchildren Christopher (Jessica) Parker, Matthew (Stephanie) Parker, Nicholas (Kim) Parker, Olivia (Ryan) Carlino, Ava Sundell and Grace Sundell, great-grandchildren Owen and Madalyn Parker, Angelo and Blake Conavatti, Cole Hegstad and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and Gwen (Carlos) Leizas, Lisa (Bob) May, and Joe (Sarah) Grewe.

Gretchen graduated from Roosevelt High School in Virginia, Minnesota, Virginia Junior College and the University of Minnesota, Duluth, where she received her Bachelor's degree in teaching. She continued her education while teaching and received her Master's degree in curriculum and instruction from UMD and her Ph.D. in educational leadership and instruction from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

Gretchen was an accomplished educator who served in many leadership positions throughout her career and received numerous awards for her achievements.

Her career included teaching students from preschool through graduate school in various Minnesota school districts, including students with special needs, serving as director of two special education cooperatives in northern Minnesota, director of personnel for the St. Louis Park school district, and assistant superintendent for the Hastings and Duluth school districts. She retired as the assistant superintendent of the Elk River school district.

Upon retirement, Gretchen chose to live in sunny Maricopa, Arizona, for 15 years, where she applied her leadership skills to many activities that she planned, organized, and implemented in her active adult community. She was also a founding member of the Maricopa Lutheran Church, serving on the church council and the education committee.

Gretchen was a positive force in her life, offering friendship and a smile to all she met. She truly enjoyed life to the fullest!!!

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Virginia, and interment at Calvary Cemetery.

Gretchen requests that donations be made to scholarship funds for students wishing to further their education in serving others. Donors choice!