Constance Johnson

Constance A. “Connie” Johnson, age 86, of Breezy Point, Minnesota, passed away on October 17, 2025.

A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Crosslake Lutheran Church, with a luncheon to follow. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.

Connie was born on April 2, 1939, in Mankato, Minnesota, to George and Irene (Hanson) Hochstein. Her mother worked as a home economist for General Foods before teaching in Rapidan, Minnesota, and her father was employed by Railway Express after serving in the Aleutian Islands during World War II. She grew up in what author Maud Hart Lovelace called the “Deep Valley” of Mankato and often spoke about fishing on the Minnesota River with her dad, meandering in the woods to identify tracks and jack-in-the-pulpits, long walks to the Carnegie Library on lazy afternoons, and carhopping at the A&W drive-in.

After graduating from Mankato West High School in 1957, Connie attended St. Olaf College, earning a bachelor’s degree in English in 1961. That same year, she began teaching English in Excelsior, Minnesota. In 1965 she moved to the South River Hills neighborhood of Burnsville and shortly thereafter joined the faculty at Metcalf Junior High, where she spent most of her 37-year career in education. She took joy in helping students grow as writers and readers, and she treasured the lasting friendships she formed with colleagues. Lifelong learning remained important to her; she later completed a master’s degree in writing at Hamline University and a certificate in interior design from Dakota County Technical College.

Connie met David Johnson in 1961 while both were taking a summer class at Mankato State. They were married at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mankato in 1962 and shared 63 years together. They raised two children, Christopher and Lindsey, and later found immense joy as grandparents to Rachel, Olivia, and Ella. Many happy days were spent with family and friends on the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers and at Lake Ossawinnamakee.

Committed to her community, Connie served as president of the West Dakota County League of Women Voters and as president of the Crosslake Lutheran Church council. She also served as co-president of Women of the ELCA, contributed to the design of the Crosslake Area Library, sang in the church choir, and volunteered in many roles at her congregation.

A woman of many interests, Connie enjoyed reading, gourmet cooking, and time with close friends in her book and gourmet clubs. Above all, she cherished her family. After retiring, she and David made their home in the Crosslake/Pequot Lakes area, where they welcomed gatherings by the lake and the quiet of everyday moments together.

Connie’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the family she loved, the grandchildren she adored, and the communities she helped strengthen. She will be remembered for her grace, kindness, and curiosity.

Connie is survived by her husband of 63 years, David; children, Christopher (Melissa) and Lindsey (Michael); grandchildren, Rachel, Olivia, and Ella; grandchildren by marriage, Jordan and Kaelyn; and sister-in-law, Margaret Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Irene Hochstein; and brother-in-law, Donald Johnson.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of St. Croix Hospice and Northern Lakes Senior Living.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel.