Dorothy Ann Johnson

Dorothy was born at home in Longmont to Peter Schlagel III and Mary (Seilbach) Schlagel. Born at the height of the Great Depression, she helped on the family farm, developing a strength that carried her throughout life. Dorothy went to school in Mead, Niwot and Longmont, graduating from Longmont High in 1948. She worked for several local companies until she married Merle D. Johnson in 1950.

Merle was drafted just as their son, Michael, was born. They lived in South Carolina, Kentucky and Texas before moving to Hygiene upon his discharge in 1953. There they welcomed daughters Patty and Pam. They moved to Grant while Merle worked building the Robert's Tunnel and Dillon Dam before returning to Longmont where Dorothy became a school bus driver from 1962-1966.

Merle's work took them to Pakistan where Dorothy cared for the family while Merle was often away on business trips. She worked hard to give her children a good life there, often taking them swimming and even allowing them to have a pet monkey. They came back to Buffalo, WY where the family enjoyed fishing, waterskiing and ice-skating.

The family returned to Longmont where Merle opened Johnson & Assoc. Land Surveyors, now run by their son. Dorothy worked for Longmont Orthopedics for 19 years until she fought and beat her first battle with breast cancer. She continued as sole bookkeeper for Johnson & Associates until 2018. She and Merle had a wonderful 48 years of marriage prior to his death in 1999.

She found love again with longtime family friend, Wayne Sailer and they enjoyed 20 years together traveling, golfing and dividing their time between Longmont and Sun City, AZ. During this time, she survived her second battle with breast cancer. Dorothy had an open heart and many considered her their second mother. She was an exemplary cook, seamstress and homemaker. One of "Sweet Nana's" greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren: AJ, Angela, Sarah and Keifer. She was delighted to welcome a great-grandson, Jack, 10 years ago.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents (Pete and Mary Schlagel); siblings, Richard Schlagel and Donna Lay; her husband, Merle; daughter, Patty; and companion, Wayne Sailer. She is survived by her children, Michael (Shari) Johnson and Pam (Andy) Maestas, her grandchildren, Sarah (Kenyon) Smith, Keifer Johnson, AJ and Angela Maestas, her great-grandson, Jack Hale, her niece, Kim (Al) Lenort, and nephew, Eric Lay.

A memorial service for Dorothy will be held Monday, April 17, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Howe Mortuary, 439 Coffman Street, Longmont, CO 80501. Following the memorial service will be a reception at 2:00 PM at Elks Lodge, 306 Coffman Street, Longmont, CO 80501.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Johnson family.