Janice Johnson

Janice Beryl Johnson (nee Strandell) entered eternal life peacefully on July 4th, 2018 at the age of 81. Firstborn child to Melvin and Beryl Strandell of Chicago, they moved to Wisconsin when she was a young teen. She loved being the big sister to her two surviving siblings John Strandell (Joanne) of Ripon, Wisconsin and Jeanne Kabacinski (Bob) of Crivtz, Wisconsin.

Jan was a beautiful, bright young woman and entered the world of modeling after graduation from Whitefish Bay High School. She married at 19 and began her journey of motherhood a year later.

She is survived by her four beloved children, Catherine Johnson (Luca) and Jim Johnson (Maria) of Florida, as well as Linda Johnson and Cindy Velcheck of Wisconsin. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren, Andrew (Paige) Johnson, Melina Velcheck, Ryan Velcheck, Emily Johnson, Alison Velcheck, and her four-year-old great-granddaughter, Evelyn.

Jan was passionate about flight and travel all her life, proudly earning her solo pilot’s license in her late 30’s. A world traveler, she ventured to destinations including Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, Guam and the Philippine Islands. If she wasn’t flying, you’d likely find her in or on the water; swimming, sailing, boating and spending many family vacations on Wisconsin lakes or cruising the Bahamas.

As her children became independent, Jan boldly returned to school, earned her bachelors degree in nursing and passed her boards at the age of 45. She spent most of her nursing career in Southern Florida and later moved to Brooksville, to care for her mom.

Jan dedicated much of her free time enjoying needlework, crocheting afghans, quilting and sewing clothing, dolls, gifts and decor for friends and family. She was also a wonderful cook and teacher to anyone who wanted to learn her skills.

“Grandma Jan’s” creativity, faith and fearless passion for adventure will be dearly missed. However, her family is grateful for her long, full life and her new freedom from the dementia that took her from us.

Plans for a celebration of her life are pending for this September or October. It will take place in Door County, Wisconsin, home of many treasured memories we shared. Please contact one of her children for details if you’d like to join us! Contributions in Jan’s memory will be used for her memorial and a remembrance site. And of course, flowers for the event in Door County would be her delight!