August 13, 1954 – May 13, 2024

Mary Pauline Johnson, age 69, of Whitehall, Wisconsin, passed away on Monday, May 13, 2024 peacefully at home with her husband by her side.

Mary was born on August 13, 1954 in Whitehall to Ervin and Doris (Larson) Harnisch. She married Andrew Johnson on July 22, 1978 in Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Whitehall, Wisconsin.

Growing up in York, Wisconsin, Mary attended a one-room schoolhouse until 6th grade when she moved to Whitehall where she graduated from high school in 1972.

Mary was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse where she majored in Recreational Therapy. She began her career at the Trempealeau County Health Care Center in 1976 where she was employed until her retirement in 2009 as Unit Director.

Mary was athletic and loved to be active. She was Club Champion at Whitehall Golf Course in 1981 competing while 8 months pregnant. She loved downhill and cross country skiing, snowshoeing, playing tennis and pickleball, and of course spending time on the golf course. When not playing sports herself, she enjoyed cheering on the Badgers, Brewers, and Packers, remarking that one of her “perfect days” was visiting family and being in attendance at Lambeau Field with Andy, Lucas, and Preston to see a victory over the rival Chicago Bears.

Mary was a highly-skilled artisan who enjoyed sewing, knitting sweaters, and crafting jewelry which eventually turned into “So Lily” Jewelry – a partnership with her sister, Ginny, which saw them traveling to shows to display their creations across the state. She also was an expert lefse and flatbread maker.

In retirement, she enjoyed a part-time job at the local hardware store, spending time visiting grandchildren, and supporting them in their activities. She also contributed volunteer hours to the Sleep in Heavenly Peace organization preparing and delivering over 100 beds to area youth.

She is survived by her husband, Andrew; a son, Lucas (Ashley) Johnson; three grandchildren, Preston, Lily, and Henry; sister, Eugenia “Ginny” Hangartner; brother, Denny (Kimberly) Harnisch; niece, Cindy Hangartner and nephew, Mackenzie (Crislyn) Harnisch.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. in Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church with burial in the Lincoln Cemetery, both in Whitehall. Mr. Scott Brown SAM and Pastor Greg Ofsdahl will officiate.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 28, 2024 from 4-7 p.m. in the Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Memorials may be directed to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, The Friends of The Whitehall Library Fund or the Trempealeau County Humane Society.