Shirley A. Johnson

nee Behrends Age 82 Passed away on January 25, 2011 surrounded by her family. Preceded in death husband, Charles; infant son, Jon and daughter, Susan. Survived by children, David (Gayle), Janice, Keith (Celeste), Craig, Warren, Linda, Wade (Michelle) and Anne (Tim); many grandchildren and great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Shirley was born in Clara City, MN April 26, 1928. She graduated as valedictorian of her high schoolin 1946, earning a scholarship to Gustavus Adolphus college. Sheattended nurses training at Bethesda School of nursing. While at Bethesda she went on a blind date where she met Charles Johnson. Charlie and Shirley would later marry, start afamily and move to Mahtomedi where they raised their nine children and started a family garbage business, Bellaire Sanitation. After her husband's death, she continued to run the family business for many years, until selling the business in 1995 and retiring. In retirement, she enjoyed spending time in her vacation homes in Texas, Arizona and Missouri. She mostly enjoyed fishing at her lake home in Aitkin, MN. She also enjoyed traveling with her family, sight-seeing, gardening, cooking, thrift-store shopping and crocheting. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grand-children and many family friends. She touched the heart of everyone that knew her and will be greatly missed. Service Tuesday 11AM at ST. ANDREW'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi.Interment Lakeview Cemetery. Visitation Monday 5-8PM at BRADSHAW, 4600 Greenhaven Drive (one mile west of 35E), White Bear and one hour prior to the service at the church. 4600 Greenhaven Drive, White Bear 651-407-8300