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FAIRMONT -- A Celebration of Life Service for Shirley O. Johnson, 91, of Fairmont, Minn., will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fairmont. Burial will be held at Lakeside Cemetery in Fairmont, Minn. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fairmont. Shirley passed away Sunday morning, Aug. 2, 2026, at Woodland Manor in Fairmont. Those wishing to view the service are invited to go to the St. Paul Lutheran Church website: https://www.splfairmont.org/. Memorials are preferred to the St. Paul Lutheran Church School in Fairmont. The Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Fairmont is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Shirley Olive (Kranz) Johnson was born on Aug. 26, 1934, in Mankato, Minn., the daughter of Elmer and Olive (Burger) Kranz. She was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mankato and later confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Amboy, Minn. When Shirley was 10 years old they moved to their new home in Amboy where she attended school and graduated in 1952. Shirley attended Mankato Commercial College until 1953 when she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Richard Boyd Johnson. Shirley worked at the Interstate Power Company in Mankato when they were first married and while Richard was deployed. Richard and Shirley moved to Fairmont, Minn. in 1955, making it their home as they raised their six children. Shirley had always hoped for a son, and after welcoming four daughters, she was overjoyed when Rich was born and to everyone’s surprise, Traci was also born. Shirley often said that having twins was one of the greatest blessings of her life.
Shirley worked at Wallace's Department Store for twenty years and then was blessed to be able to stay home and raise her family, never missing a Sunday service with all the children polished and shined. She took great pride in caring for her family. Every evening, dinner--often featuring a homemade hotdish--was on the table promptly at 5 p.m. While she waited for Richard to arrive home from work, she could often be found sitting at the piano, filling their home with music. Those simple daily routines reflected the love, devotion, and warmth that defined their home.
Shirley will be lovingly remembered for her case of “Shirleyitis,” as her family affectionately called it. She took great pride in keeping her home clean, organized, and spotless, believing there was a place for everything. Her attention to detail and high standards became a cherished part of who she was and will always bring a smile to the faces of those who knew and loved her.
Shirley was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Whenever possible Shirley loved to attend her grandchildren's activities-she was very proud of all her children and grandchildren.
Shirley enjoyed many years with her family as members of the Fairmont Chain of Lakes Yacht Club and the Interlaken Golf Club. There she participated in boating, golfing and playing Bridge. Shirley was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fairmont for more than 70 years. Her church family was an important part of her life, and she was actively involved in many areas of ministry. She sang in the church choir, was a member of Division G and Naomi Circles, served with the Altar Guild and General Aid, and faithfully attended Bible class. In her free time, Shirley also enjoyed reading books.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Terri (Mark) Poindexter, Judi (David) Goedtel, Patti (John) Kasper, Darci Broich, Rich (Stephanie) Johnson and Traci (Nick) Lardy; 10 grandchildren, Emilie (Ian) Knox, Kevin (Kristine) Poindexter, Heather Goedtel, Kyle Goedtel, Daniel (Jennifer) Kasper, Anthony (Alyssa) Kasper, Kayla Lardy, Allison Lardy, Jayden Johnson, and Jaxon Johnson; great grandchildren, Mackenzie Knox, Isabel Knox, Skylar Poindexter, and Ava Kasper; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Olive Kranz; husband, Richard B. Johnson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Glen and Lucille Johnson; grandchild, Michael Goedtel; son-in-law, Walt Broich; brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Aline Kranz; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom and Betty Johnson.
The family would like to give a very special thank you to Woodland Manor Assisted Living. They provided not only excellent care, but a loving environment. Also, thank you to United Health Hospice (Blue Earth) and Lakeview Funeral Home for their special care.
www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net