Visitation will be held from 2-5 pm on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at the McGilley & Sheil Chapel
with Rosary recited at 3 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 am Monday, April 29,
2024 at Nativity of Mary Church, 1001 E. 40 HWY Independence, MO. Following the Mass, the
burial will be held at 2pm in Higginsville Veteran Cemetary, where Dorothy will take her final
resting place beside her beloved husband, Ken.
Dorothy was born on August 22, 1940 in Chariton, MO to Henry and Leona Nolke, who settled in
Carrollton, MO. A few years after graduating from Carrollton High School, Dorothy fell in love
with Kenneth F. Johnson, and the pair began their beautiful journey of marriage on June 3, 1961.
They lived in the Kansas City, MO area from 1961-1973, during which time they were blessed
with two sons, Gary and Patrick. In 1973, Ken’s job relocated the family to Independence, KS.
There, they lived on a 10 acre piece of land, and together, they made the most out of everything
the land had to offer. The family had a spacious garden, a large blackberry patch, a milk cow,
cattle, and pigs. Anyone who came to visit during the summer will forever remember the
neighbors’ peacocks. At one time, the farm became home to 300 chickens after Dorothy agreed
to take them off of a neighbor’s hands (that was a fun surprise for Ken to wake up to one
afternoon; with a chuckle and a smile, Ken said, “well we had better go clean out the coop!”). It
was such a special place, with so many happy memories. Dorothy and her family later moved to
Joplin from 1984 - 1988, and finally to her home here in Independence, MO, creating many more
joyous memories.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband Kenneth F. Johnson, parents Henry & Leona Nolke,
and brother George Nolke. Dorothy is survived by her two sons, Gary W. Johnson (Mary P.) of
Kansas City, MO, Patrick A. Johnson (Kristan A. Bina) of Austin, TX; her two grandchildren,
Polly Johnson (Chris Grisafe-Pont) of Kansas City, MO and Seth Johnson of Austin, TX;
brothers and sisters, Barbara Dysart (Charles), Joseph Nolke (Elaine), Karen Cooper (Jerry), Ron
Nolke (Vicki), Dwayne Nolke (Debbie), and David Nolke (Donna), numerous nieces, nephews,
and extended family.
Dorothy was a strong, fiery, compassionate woman. Anyone who had the pleasure of getting to
know her, or of hearing her stories, couldn’t help but listen with rapt attention and hope to hear
more. She was strong in her faith, and was exceptionally talented (quilting and baking being just
two of her many artful skills). But perhaps one of the most beautiful things about Dorothy was
her warmheartedness towards everyone, and her fierce devotion to her loved ones. To the very
end, she was unfailingly kind.
Family suggests memorial contributions to Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St Joseph or
Wreaths Across America. Online condolences to www.mcgilleysheil.com. Arrangements:
McGilley & Sheil Chapel, 816-353-6555.
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