Alice Johnson, age 97, passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2023 in her home in Rice Lake, WI surrounded by her loving family.

Alice Anthea Gaynor Johnson was born at home to Lloyd and Anna (Neste) Gaynor on August 5, 1926.

She graduated from Spooner High School, and moved to Rice Lake to work for the OPA (Office of Price Administration) on behalf of the war effort. Alice met her beloved John on the dance floor, and after a short time of courting they were married on November 21, 1946. Her faith guided her in a life of service. Her involvement at Bethany Lutheran Church included endless hours in the kitchen, “You Can Count on Me,” Altar Guild, and many years singing in the choir. As a part of Alice’s community service, she treasured connecting with people as a driver for Meals on Wheels. With five daughters she played a leadership role in Rice Lake’s Girl Scouting program. Alice was an engaged homemaker as an excellent cook, baker, seamstress, and gardener. With their wide group of friends, they enjoyed dining, dancing, cards, and traveling. They were a support for one another throughout the years during the stages and ages of their lives. Her most treasured times were spent with family; children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, John. Her parents Lloyd and Anna (Neste) Gaynor, her brother Glen Gaynor, sisters Doris (Doug)Thompson and Barbara Gaynor, grandson Samuel Johnson Stauffer. She is survived by five daughters: Nancy (John) Gerber, Cameron, WI; Susan (Patrick) Smith, Chippewa Falls, WI; Diane (James) Stauffer, Missoula, MT; Sandra (Jed Reiten) Johnson, River Falls, WI; and Barbara (Steven) Watrud, Inver Grove Heights, MN. Grandchildren: Cindy (Kyle) Benson, Matthew (Randi) Gerber, David (Kim) Gerber, Amy (Shawn) Buckingham, Angela (Eric) Wedemeyer, Allison (Luke) Short, Sarah (Heath) Curtiss, Timothy (Sydney) Stauffer, Benjamin (Nicole) Brown, Dane (Sarah) Brown, Alex (Amy) Watrud, Brian (Caitlin Zanter) Watrud; 21 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Dwight Johnson; sister-in-law Gloria Toftness Gaynor; Greg Brown; and many nieces and nephews.

A special thank you for the caring support provided by the staffs of Vista Prairie at Brentwood and St. Croix Hospice.

In remembrance of Alice’s life, the family asks that memorials be made to Bethany Lutheran Church. Funeral Services will be held at 12PM, Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, Rev. Sue Eidahl officiating. Visitation will be held from 10-12PM, Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Bethany Lutheran Church. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals, Jon Tillung in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving with the arrangements.

Last Update: Dec 10, 2023 5:00 pm CST