Patricia Johnson, 85, passed away peacefully at Cambridge Senior Living on February 5 surrounded by loved ones.

She was born in Chetek on July 6, 1937 to Bernard and Lucille Keopp Moe, the 3rd of 8 children, one of whom died in infancy. A lifelong resident of Chetek, she graduated from Chetek High in 1955 and soon after married Allan Johnson. They were married for 67 years.

Pat and Al raised 6 children on the family dairy farm, Sunnycrest Acres located East of Chetek. The farm, which was a 2nd generation enterprise, received recognition in the National Geographic publication, “Midwest Farming”. Pat was an integral part of the farming operation for over 40 years, helping with daily chores and seasonal crop harvesting.

Her life’s passion was horses and that led to her being a charter member of the Red Cedar Riders Saddle Club and with friend Arlene Sykes, forming a 4-H group centered on horses that used the saddle club grounds. Just about then she got her first Appaloosa and that eventually led to a successful career in raising and showing halter horses. She showed her Appaloosas all over the Midwest and often had horses qualified for the World Appaloosa Shows which were held in Oklahoma, Texas and Mississippi. She had daughters Julie and Melissa traveling with her and showing in performance classes for several years. Usually Al was part of the team but occasionally she headed out all alone with the horse trailer and truck and tended to all duties associated with her avocation solo. Her cabinets are full of awards garnered over the years. She made many friends in that world with whom she kept connected.

She was a super cook, known for her mouth-watering baked beans, buns and flaky pie crusts, but best of all were her pancakes. She loved animals, especially her Schnauzers and now her Boston Terrier, Sophie. Her family which encompassed husband, daughters, sons, and siblings were the center and mainstay of her life. In addition she was a devoted daughter and daughterin-law, aunt, grandma & great grandma (who loved the little ones).

She was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws Fred and Esther Johnson, brothers Jimmy and Arthur (Bud) Moe, sister Bernie Lou (Glen) Anderson, brother-in-law John Lane, special niece Jacquie Moe. She is survived by her husband, Allan Johnson, daughters Vicki Johnson, Julie (Lewis) Ortegon, Melissa (Jeff) Secraw; sons Mark (Jenny) Johnson, Dan Johnson, and Larry (Michelle) Johnson; sisters Karn Moe, Kathy Lane, Jeanne (Chuck) Romanowski; brother Mike (Margit) Moe; sister-in-law Norma Enerson; Grandchildren Adam (Rebecca) Diesterhaft, Cary (Heidi) Diesterhaft, Sean (Tiffany) Diesterhaft, Amanda (Adam) Leone, Alison Johnson, Haley Johnson, Mitchel (Carol)Johnson, Jessica (Scott) Dunn, Robert (Paige) Ortegon, Paige (James) Saylor, Zach Ortegon, Cody Johnson, Emily Johnson, Kayla Secraw, Ryan Secraw, Chase Secraw; special cousin John Doyle; and 14 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

The family is so grateful to the staff at Cambridge Senior Living and to the hospice staff that looked after Pat with such love. She was truly blessed to be in their care.

A Celebration of Life will take place at the Senior Center at 711 1st Street in Chetek on Friday, February 10, at 4 p.m. Lunch will be served.

Interment will occur this spring at Lakeview Cemetery.

The Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Barron County Humane Society would be welcome.

Last Update: Feb 08, 2023 6:40 am CST