ObituaryPage 1 of 2
74r
IN MEMORY OF
PHYLLIS LORRAINE
"PENNY JOHNSON"
JOHNSON
Obituary for Phyllis Johnson
Johnson, Phyllis (Penny) Lorraine Age 93, of Minnetonka, our
beloved mama and Granny, passed at her home on January 3,
2015. She was born to Warner and Rose Haberman on Oct. 28,
1921 in St. Paul. Penny graduated from the University of
Minnesota School of Dental Hygiene and began a career in
Superior, Wisc. where she met the love of her life, Walter
Johnson, on a blind date. Walt dubbed her "Penny" because of the color of her
hair. They were married in 1943 in Minneapolis. Walt's job as a newspaperman
took them from Omaha to Japan to Korea and the Philippines before the two
happily moved back to Minnesota and settled in Minnetonka. Penny dedicated
her life to caring for her family, especially supporting her children's many
interests. She also gave her time to several worthy causes, such as the Simpson
Shelter, Planned Parenthood, Meals on Wheels and her church. A woman of
many talents -Penny was an avid tennis player and pianist throughout her life, and
passed these passions on to her grandchildren. In her later years, she traveled the
world with Walt, from Sweden to Russia and Australia to New Zealand, and
developed new hobbies like yoga and pottery. A lover of all things Minnesotan
and a supporter of Twin Cities culture, she was always contributing to the
Minnesota Arboretum, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, the Science Museum and
various art institutes. A true Minnesota sports fan, Penny always cheered for the
Gophers and Twins, and was a diehard Vikings fan. Penny is survived by her
daughters, Nancy Johnson-Highfill (Dean), Judy Johnson Bouts; son, Walter
Johnson (Annie); nine grandchildren and three great granddaughters. Memorial
Service Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 2:00 pm, Congregational Church of
Excelsior, 471 3rd Street, Excelsior, MN (952-474-5919). A reception will
immediately follow the service at the church. In honor of Penny, memorials are
preferred to the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
(http://www.arboretum.umn.eduo and Planned Parenthood (http://www.planned
parenthood.org/). Huber Funeral & Cremation Service Excelsior Chapel 952-474-
9595
http://huberfunerals.com/book-of-memories/2020541 /Johnson-Phyllis/obituary.php?Printabl... 1 /8/2015