Corene Elaine Jacklitch

Corene Elaine Jacklitch (Johnson), 64, Moorhead, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 18th, 2024. 

She was embraced and welcomed into eternity by her parents, Marlin and Audrey Johnson, sister-in-law, Karla Hofmann, nephews, Damien Jacklitch and Shane Hofmann, and a host of beloved furbabies.

Corene’s spirit is carried on by Carmen, her loving husband of 38 years, children Reyna and Reece (Anastasia), siblings Barry Johnson (Denice), Cliff Johnson, and Shelly Dale (Randy) along with many cherished nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, and in-laws.

Corene was born in Moorhead, MN at St. Ansgar's Hospital on November 1st, 1959. She grew up on a farmstead north of Moorhead, MN, where she would play with siblings, cousins, neighbors, and plenty of animals. Her fondness for camping was created by family trips to Lake Lizzie and Big Pine Lake in Minnesota.

After graduating from Moorhead Senior High School in 1978, where she was active in the arts, as well as speech and debate, she attended the Interstate Business College in Fargo, North Dakota as a medical assistant. Following graduation, she worked at Sanford (formerly Meritcare, previously St. Luke’s) for 40 years.

Corene met the love of her life, Carmen, at Zorbaz in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota eventually marrying on August 24th, 1985. The two often spent their time creating memories on the Apple River in Somerset, Wisconsin, hiking at Itasca State Park, and attending countless rock concerts, even using her artistic talent to help Carmen, sisters-in-law, Karla and Kareen, get ready in full KISS face paint. 

Corene passed her childhood love of camping to her children. The family of four enjoyed many weekends camping at Swan Lake and the Jacklitch family cabin on Otter Tail Lake. Whether floating in the water with her trusty fun noodles, cruising on the pontoon, or sitting around the campfire, she was guaranteed to be laughing it up with family. 

Her family will forever remember her incredible talent with a paintbrush, her signature “Jacklitch Buys” at garage sales, her masterful interior design skills that could rival any HGTV star, and her love of Halloween, where she let her creativity shine by crafting unforgettable DIY costumes, transforming the family home and yard with decorations, and setting the mood with ‘Monster Mash’ at their legendary Halloween parties.

Corene was bitten by the travel bug late in life, taking her first flight at 53, but quickly made up for lost time by traveling throughout the United States and to 19 countries across Europe, Asia, and Australia. She enjoyed viewing the sites from the water, where possible, exploring unique Christmas markets, and as a true student of art and creativity, she succeeded in her mission to visit all public sunflower paintings by Vincent Van Gogh that are on display, including those in Amsterdam, London, Munich, Philadelphia, and Tokyo. Her favorite travel destination was always “the last place we went to”.

Corene’s kindness and generosity touched the lives of all who met her. Always concerned with others over herself, she constantly amazed those around her with her incredible strength and positivity, never letting her battles wear down the smile on her face. Her beautiful creativity, unyielding strength, and the love she had for her family and friends will never be forgotten. She will be remembered as a wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, a proud Norwegian, but most of all a true and inspiring wonder woman.

A visitation will be held Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 P.M., at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN. The memorial service will follow on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 1:00 P.M., at the funeral home, with visitation from noon to 1:00 P.M.  Final resting place will be the columbarium at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Moorhead.