A Celebration of Life Service to honor the life and legacy of Kathy Johnson, age 62, of Mountain Lake, will be held Saturday, September 19th at 10:30 AM at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church in rural Odin. Burial will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Odin.

A visitation for Kathy will be held on Friday, September 18th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the LaCanne Family Celebration of Life Center in Windom. Visitation will continue on Saturday at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Odin for one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial donations in memory of Kathy are preferred to the Sunday School Programs at the American Lutheran Church in Windom, or St. Olaf Lutheran Church in rural Odin.

Kathleen “Kathy” Jo Johnson was born July 20, 1964, in Mankato, Minnesota, to Larry and Sharon Thorn. She grew up primarily in Algona, Iowa, graduating from Algona High School in 1982. Kathy attended Iowa State University before transferring to Mankato State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She later earned a Master’s degree in Education from Southwest Minnesota State University. Kathy married Kevin Johnson on June 13, 1987, and they made their home in Mt. Lake, Minnesota, where they shared 39 years together.

Kathy was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, cherished friend, and compassionate advocate for those in need. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with the people she loved, but her caring heart reached far beyond her own family. She and Kevin shared countless adventures and memories. Kathy loved riding motorcycle with Kevin and their friends, especially when the ride included the important mission of chasing down the best breaded pork tenderloin sandwich in Iowa. She also loved to travel, always enjoying the opportunity to see new places, make memories, and share experiences with those closest to her.

Kathy’s family was at the very heart of her life. She treasured spending time with her children and grandchildren, and her favorite pastime was watching them do what they loved. Whether her kids were playing sports, singing music, or participating in activities, Kathy was there cheering them on with pride. That same devotion carried into the next generation. She never missed an opportunity to watch her grandchildren, from t-ball and soccer games to Sunday school programs and all the special moments in between. She loved having her grandchildren over for sleepovers, creating memories they will carry with them for years to come, and, of course, spoiling them with ice cream.

Kathy’s compassion and commitment to helping others were woven throughout her life. She spent her career teaching special education in Estherville, Iowa, Fairmont, Minnesota, and at Jackson County Central Middle School. As a special education teacher, she dedicated herself to supporting children who needed extra patience, encouragement, and someone willing to believe in them. She also shared her love of children and her faith by teaching Sunday school, helping nurture young hearts and minds and making faith a meaningful part of their lives. Her desire to make a difference extended into her home as well, where she opened her heart through foster care and provided children with a safe, caring, and loving place when they needed it most. She understood that sometimes the greatest gift we can give another person is simply to show up, make them feel valued, and let them know they matter.

Kathy also had a special love for her pugs. She enjoyed spending time with them and took great joy in raising pug puppies. Her pugs brought her companionship, laughter, and plenty of happy moments, and caring for them was another way she expressed the nurturing spirit that came so naturally to her.

Kathy had a special way of showing the people in her life just how much they meant to her. She expressed her love through thoughtful gifts, homemade baked goods, and countless little acts of kindness that made people feel remembered and cared for. She was especially thoughtful during difficult times, often taking the time to write heartfelt letters and cards to family members and friends who were going through a tough season. Her words offered encouragement, comfort, and the simple reminder that they were loved and never alone. Many family members and friends will forever treasure the Christmas stockings Kathy lovingly sewed for so many of her favorite people, each one a lasting reminder of the love, care, and thoughtfulness she poured into those around her.

Family was Kathy’s greatest priority, although there was one thing that could occasionally compete for her time: lunch with her favorite girlfriends. Those friendships were another treasured part of her life, and time spent laughing, sharing stories, and catching up with her girlfriends was something she valued deeply. Kathy had a gift for making the people around her feel loved and supported.

Kathy passed away peacefully on Friday, September 11, 2026, after a 15-year battle with cancer, at her home in Mountain Lake, surrounded by the people she loved.

Kathy is survived by her husband of 39 years, Kevin Johnson of Mt. Lake; her children, Jake (Elisabeth) Johnson of Windom, their daughter, Lorelei, and their expected daughter due October 2026; and Megan (Ike) Pohlman of Windom, and their children, Amelia, Archer, and Reese; her siblings, Linda Oddo of Franklin, TN, John (Brenda) Thorn of Jackson, MN, and Ellie (John) Seaton of Ashburn, VA; siblings-in-law, Steve (Marcia) Johnson of St. Joseph, MN, Jim (Deb) Johnson of Mt. Lake, Cindy (Tom) Quiring of Mt. Lake, and Julie (Larry) Falk of Mt. Lake; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Larry and Sharon Thorn, and her parents-in-law, Leland and Barbara Johnson.