Cheryl Arlett Johnson, nee O’Flanagan, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2020 in Eau Claire at the age of 75.

Cheryl was born on April 27, 1944 in Barron to Ervin and Violet (Edmonds) O’Flanagan.  She graduated from Prairie Farm High School in 1962 and continued her education at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology.  On July 6, 1968, Cheryl married Gerald ‘Joe’ Johnson at Fort Benning, Georgia.  

While Joe was deployed to Vietnam, Cheryl returned to work at Northwestern Hospital in the Twin Cities as a Medical Technologist.  In 1972, Cheryl and Joe moved back to Barron for employment and to be closer to family.  Cheryl worked as a microbiologist for the Wisconsin Animal Health Lab for 20 years and Jerome Foods for 7 years.  

Cheryl was passionate about her family and tried as often as possible to spend time with her two children (Brett and Beth) and her five grandchildren.  She was a constant encourager of their goals and passions.  She was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Barron and volunteered countless hours with the children’s ministry, Gift from the Heart, Befrienders and the women’s ministry teams.  In her spare time she loved to play cards, spend time at the cabin, volunteer at Cupboard and Closet, work in her garden and hike the Superior Hiking Trail.  

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Gerald; her son, Brett (Sarah) Johnson of Perrysburg, OH and their 3 children, Meghan, Keegan and Braedan; her daughter, Beth (Jayson) Steinkopf of Maple Grove, MN and their 2 children, Joshua and Tyler.  She is also survived by her brother-in-Law, Duwayne (Sharon) Johnson of Land O Lakes, FL; a nephew, Brian (Angie) Johnson of Milaca, MN and their 2 daughters, Becca and Emma; a niece, Kari (Brian) Burns of Lutz, FL and their son, Andrew.  

Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law, Aloha Johnson.

Funeral services for Cheryl Johnson will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Barron with Pastor Ron Matthews officiating.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at the Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday morning at the church.  A private interment will be at a later date at the Wayside Cemetery in Barron.

Arrangements are being handled by Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron.

Last Update: Jan 07, 2020 9:14 am CST