Verna Beth Johnson

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Verna Beth Johnson, 83, of Wakefield, formerly of Ontonagon, passed away suddenly on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital in Ironwood.

Born on Oct. 27, 1942, in Wakefield, to Alice Verna (Hegg) and Reynold Faline, Verna grew up on the family dairy farm, where she learned the values of hard work, kindness and faith that would guide her throughout her life. She graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer, Class of 1960, and went on to earn her nursing degree from Augustana Nursing School in Chicago, Class of 1963.

Verna dedicated more than 30 years of her career to serving the Western U.P. Health Department in Ontonagon as a registered nurse. She worked as a traveling nurse, WIC Coordinator and in Immunization Clinics, touching countless lives with her compassion, professionalism and gentle spirit.

Her love for Jesus was evident in the way she lived-through generosity, service and unwavering kindness. She was a devoted member of Sharon Lutheran Church in Bessemer and previously spent more than 43 years as a member of Siloa Lutheran Church in Ontonagon. Verna sang in the choir, created prayer shawls, supported Sunday school and Bible study and was active in the church women's group. Her faith was not only spoken but lived.

For 52 years, Verna shared a beautiful life with her husband, Leroy "Lee" Johnson. Together, they created a home filled with warmth, hospitality and the aroma of Verna's exceptional cooking. She was a devoted mother, an attentive grandmother and a loving great-grandmother who cherished every opportunity to create memories with her family. To all who knew her, Verna was a sweet, caring soul-beautiful inside and out.

Verna found joy in giving-whether through food, treats, or thoughtful gifts chosen with love. Her hobbies included knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, cross-stitch, gardening and reading. She loved selecting the perfect outfit, never missed a hair appointment and took great pleasure in choosing meaningful gifts for her family.

Verna lived in Ontonagon from 1973 to 2017, before moving to Ironwood and later Wakefield. Together Lee and Verna explored Europe and later traveled extensively across the United States, including a meaningful trip to assist with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Lee; and her brother-in-law, Bob.

Verna is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Jim) LaVallee; grandchildren, Dennis (Amber) Karttunen and Eli Karttunen; and great-grandchildren, Harbor and Jordy. She is also survived by her brother, Carl (Linda) Faline, and their children, Sarah Dela Isla, David Faline and Jenny Faline; and her sister, Lynn (Don) Ormes, and their sons, Jon Ormes (and his sons, Bastian and Isaac), Tim (Kelly) Ormes and Chris (Emily) Ormes (and their children, Molly, Stevie and Annie).

She is further survived by her stepchildren, Michael (Michele) Johnson, Patty (Mark Wourms) Johnson and Scott (Lee Ra) Johnson; step-grandchildren, Joe (Naomi Edelman) Johnson, Kate Johnson, Mary (Logan) Frost, Jens (TuMai) Johnson, Jake Johnson, Forrest (Maria) Wourms and Logan Wourms; and step-great-grandchildren, Autumn Rose and Etta Grace. Also survived by her sister-in-law, Nan Johnson; and nephews, Jeff (Dianne) Johnson and Todd Johnson.

Verna's life was defined by love-love for her family, her faith, her community and the many people she cared for throughout her nursing career. Her legacy of kindness, generosity and grace will continue to shine through all who were blessed to know her.

Out of respect for her wishes, cremation has taken place.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 15, at 11 a.m., EDT, preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., EDT, at Siloa Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Bill Jacobson and the Rev. Ted Trudgeon officiating.

Her final resting place will be at Hillcrest Cemetery, Bessemer.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a memorial to St. Nicholas Project, Box 72, Ontonagon MI 49953, or Siloa Lutheran Church, 218 E. River St., Ontonagon MI 49953.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.