Diane Corrine Johnson

Diane was born to Edward and Hilda Sternard in Chicago, Illinois, on November 26, 1939.

She graduated from Foreman High School in 1957 and remained in Chicago after high school, working and enjoying time with her sister, cousins, and girlfriends.

Diane met Roger Phillip Johnson on a blind date arranged by her cousin, Howard, who worked with Roger. They hit it off and were soon engaged, and married in Chicago on July 2, 1960. They moved to the suburbs and started a family, having three children, Karen, Kurt, and Keith.

In 1971 the family moved to Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Diane was reluctant to go, but soon grew to love her new home and began making new friends with enthusiasm.

When youngest son, Keith, started school, she returned to work, first for the school system, and then at Lutheran Medical Center. She had a long career at Lutheran, and after retiring continued to volunteer at the hospital.

Diane was active in her church and with Bible Study Fellowship. She attended both regularly, and volunteered her time for many years. She gave to her church through food drives and volunteering to help the less fortunate. Bible Study Fellowship was a lifelong passion and she met some of her closest friends there.

What stands out the most about Diane is her giving nature. She gave to her family endlessly, in gifts and love. The Johnson home was filled with the creations of her love – homemade dinners, baked goods, birthday parties and decorations, game nights, and holiday get-togethers.

She was an accomplished baker and famous for her coffee cakes and Christmas cookies. She carried on the traditions of her and Roger’s families, and perfected many German and Scandinavian baked goods. She gave goodies to her grown kids and her grandson, her neighbors, and anyone who stopped by her house. She always sent something home with her children after they visited - candy, homemade jam, or maybe some fresh baked cookies or other delicious treat. The same was true when she went to visit family and friends; her arms were never empty – wine, flowers, or more homemade sweets.

One of her favorite hobbies was spoiling children. Her grandson, Dillon, and the children or grandchildren of her friends were often showered with baked goods and gifts. She would even give presents to the children of families she barely knew.

In keeping with her faith, Diane gave to charitable organizations regularly. She was especially concerned for the poor, sick, and homeless, and never failed to contribute to their welfare.

Diane was generous and kind, eager to help and happy to give, and she will always be remembered for her thoughtful words and deeds. She will be sorely missed by so many.

Diane is preceded in death by husband Roger, and is survived by daughter Karen Johnson (grandson Dillon Johnson), sons Kurt Johnson (Conde Bolin) and Keith Johnson (Glenna Shetter), and sister Bonnie (Clarence) Spacko.