Darlene C Johnson

Darlene was born March 18, 1930 in Gregory, South Dakota to Clarence and Libby Hansen. She grew up in Gregory where her father owned and operated the JL Case dealership and her mother operated a grocery and market for years. Her dad also operated a nearby farm.

Darlene had an older sister, Donna, who passed away in 1984.

Darlene was educated in the Gregory school system and graduated from Gregory High School in 1947. While in high school she was very active as member of both the paper and yearbook staff, serving as business manager for the yearbook. In addition, she was a cheerleader, drum majorette, prom queen, class treasurer, student body treasurer and even acted in the class play.

Darlene was an elementary school teacher for 22 years – 3 years in Nebraska and 22 years in Colorado Springs. In 1952 while teaching in York, NE, she met a handsome druggist, Milton Johnson, who owned the Johnson Drugstore in Sutton, NE. In 1961 and tired of operating a drugstore solo, he relocated to Colorado Springs where he. Egana. 25-year career as a pharmacist at the Broadmoor Drug in the Broadmoor Hotel.

Darlene and Milt were married at Shove Chapel in Colorado Springs in 1961. Milt passed away in July 2006.

Darlene took early retirement in 1974 after a fall on the icy steps at Ivywild School and severely injuring her back. The chronic pain associated with the fall remained with her the remainder of

her life.

She was determined to enjoy an active lifestyle and walked daily, rain or shine. Eventually she was able to walk around the Broadmoor Lake four times daily, or nearly three miles. In later years she still was determined to walk even for short spells until confined to a wheelchair near the end of her life.

She and Milt enjoyed retirement and gardening, reading and travelling. They enjoyed mountain trips to Silverthorne, Breckenridge, Cripple Creek and Ouray.

Darlene is survived by her nephews Craig. (Leslee) Werner of Madison, WI, Blake (Ellie) Werner of Broken Arrow, OK, Brian (Tina) Werner of Centennial, CO, John (Debby) Hertel of Reno, NV and their children and grandchildren.

She also leaves a very special friend in Debra Moutrie who was like a daughter and part of her Colorado Springs family.

She was preceded in death by her husband Milt, sister Donna and parents Clarence and Libby.

Per her request, no service will be held. Inurement will be at the Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Colorado Springs.