Claire Johnson

CLAIRE JOHNSON NORWAY- Claire E. Johnson, age 76, of Norway, died Saturday, April 16, 2005 at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital, Iron Mountain, after a brief illness. She was born in Norway on January 29, 1929, the daughter of the late Charles F. and Ellen (Erickson) Johnson. Claire graduated from Norway High School in 1947 after which she attended Belhaven College in Jackson, MS. She returned to the area and worked for the Daily News for two years before going on Northern Michigan University where she received her Bachelors Degree in Education. She received her Masters Degree in Education from the University of Michigan. Claire taught in elementary education in the Crystal Falls School District for fourteen years, and then she taught in the Iron Mountain School District for twenty-one years until her retirement in 1989. She was a wonderful, dedicated teacher and truly enjoyed her profession. Claire was proud of her Norway roots. She enjoyed volunteering her time at the Jake Menghini Museum and was a member of the Norway Chapter #251, Order of the Eastern Star and the Norway-Vulcan Women’s Club. She also belonged to the American Association of University Women and the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel. As a talented musician, she took great interest in and supported the musical events in her community. Claire is survived by her nephews Charles D. (Karen) Erickson of Iron Mountain and Kevin (Sharon) Karpinsky of Schofield, WI; nieces Kristine (Dr. Stephen) Leonard of Iron Mountain, Maria (Francis) Caviani of Kingsford, and Ellen (Al) Gruna of Elderon, WI; 10 great nieces and nephews; 2 great-great nieces; and 1 great-great nephew. Claire is also survived by her family at Bethany Lutheran Church in Norway where she was a life-long member and where she played the organ for over thirty years. Claire will be remembered by her family and countless friends as a remarkable lady whose gentle kindness and quiet generosity touched so many lives. She was a devoted care-giver for her siblings. Claire truly lived her life with grace and dignity. She was preceded in death by her sisters Ethel Rosatti, Muriel Erickson, and Selma Putnam, and by her brother Carlton Johnson. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 19, from 4-8 p.m. and the Miner-Ortman Funeral Home in Norway. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, April 20, at 6 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church with Rev. John Voelker officiating. Internment will take place at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 21, at the Norway Township Cemetery. Pallbearers will be George Bal, William Borga, Donald Charlevoix, Michael Hamlin, Peter Kivisaari, and Joel Smith. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Claire E. Johnson’s name at Bethany Lutheran Church.

Claire Johnson

January 29, 1929 - April 16, 2005