Joan Johnson

Joan “Joanie” H. Johnson, age 85 of Seymour passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at Good Shepherd Nursing Home. She was born July 24, 1933, daughter of the late Martin and Ardena (Verbeten) Van Gompel.

Joan attended St John’s Nepomucene Catholic church and graduated from St John’s school in Little Chute. She was united in marriage to Richard (Nig) Johnson on September 15, 1953. Together they shared 41 years of loving years of marriage and working side by side in their business before he preceded her in death on November 6, 1994.

On September 15, 1962 Joan and Richard founded and operated Johnson’s Dairy and Restaurant in Seymour for 32 years. After Richard’s passing, she started a new career at Krabbe’s Kountry Klub doing odd jobs from cleaning to making pies for 20 years, she also enjoyed working 10 years at Humana in the cafeteria.

Joan was a difference maker for many lives in the community of Seymour dedicated to serving the others, made friendships, lots of laughs, made memories and brought joy and comfort to all she met. She was an active member of St. John’s Catholic church, Christian Mother’s Society and American Legion Auxiliary. “Life’s is only what you make of it” was her favorite saying and “Joan did it best”. Joan loved being at the cottage on White Potato Lake and was an avid Packer fan.

Joan had many different nicknames over the years which include: Joanie, Grandma Toot Toot, JJ, and Tiny and etc. Joan was a loving wife of her “Nig” and Mother to us all. She left her mark and legacy on her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and Family and friends. She had a gift from God that her life did matter in what you do during your life time.

She is survived by her children: Rick (Terry) Johnson, Randy (Jeanne), Cheri (Steve) Krabbe, and Julie (Chad) Johnson; grandchildren: Andrea, Allison (Jon), Emily (John), Aaron, (Ashley), Sarah, (Kyle), Jared, (Megan), Brian, (Courtney), Amanda, (Jerame), Jessica, (Travis), Reid, and Jadyn and 18 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by a brother, Todd Van Gompel; sister, Sharen (Tom) Wolf; brother, Paul (Kathy) Van Gompel; sister-in-law, Lorraine Van Gompel and brother-in-law, Louis Vosters.

Joan was preceded in death by her siblings: Karen Van Gompel, Robert Van Gompel; Kathleen “Kat” Van Gompel; and sister-in-law, Dace Van Gompel. Her husband’s parents: Elmer & Martha; Nig’s siblings: Robert (Jane), Lillian (Stanley), Elizabeth (Orville), Joyce, Arlene (Nicky) and James (Eileen).

Joan’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Shepherd’s Inn and Good Shepherd Nursing home for their care and support.

Friends may call at St. John Catholic Church, Seymour, on Thursday, September 27, 2018 from 2:00 pm until the funeral mass at 6:00 pm with Fr. Brian Belongia and Deacon Rich Matuszak officiating. Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences to Joan’s family may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Joan’s memory to be contributed to her favorite causes.

It all started with a kiss.