Yvonne Johnson

Yvonne Martha Beryl Johnson went to be with her Lord on March 12, 2025, at the age of 83. She was born on March 2, 1942, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dennis; her parents, Lester and Lucille Rateau; cousin, Michael Rateau; and her grandsons, Christopher and Kody.

Yvonne’s legacy lives on through her sister Kathy (Bob) Neuendorf; nephew, Ben (Robin) Neuendorf; niece, Shannon (Matt) Thruman; and her loving children, Cindy Madison, Timothy Anton (Dena) Johnson, Pamela Lynn Johnson; and special friend, Noni Payne. She was a cherished grandmother to seven grandchildren and a proud great-grandmother to twelve great-grandchildren and great-aunt to three.

A graduate of Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis, Yvonne began her career working at a print shop, where she met the love of her life, Dennis. Together, they moved to Brainerd in 1979, embracing the peaceful lake life they both adored. After Dennis’s passing in 1985, Yvonne found new purpose in education, returning to school to earn a degree in Early Child Development.

For over 25 years, Yvonne dedicated herself to teaching preschool at St. Francis, where she touched the lives of countless young children. Her passion for education extended beyond the classroom as she also volunteered with the Foster Grandparents program at Lutheran Social Service (LSS), offering love and guidance to many.

Yvonne’s vibrant spirit shone in everything she did. She was well-known in the Brainerd area as Smiley the Clown, bringing joy to all she met with her full clown costume and infectious laughter. To Yvonne, strangers were simply friends she hadn’t met yet.

She had a special way of making birthdays memorable, often gifting loved ones with $2 bills in an amount matching their age.

Above all, Yvonne’s faith was the foundation of her life. She spent countless hours studying the Bible, drawing strength and wisdom from its teachings.

She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her kindness, laughter, and unwavering love for her family, community, and faith.

Funeral services will be held at Brenny Funeral Home (7348 Excelsior Rd, Baxter, MN 56425) on March 22, 2025. Visitation at 10:00, Service at 11:00. Luncheon following the service. Gravesite service at 1:30.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Yvonne's name are preferred to http://www.xsports4vets.org.

Livestreaming: https://plan.passare.com/planner/encore/event/25216329