Shirley Ann Johnson, formerly of Black River Falls, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2023 surrounded by her loving family at her home in Tomah. She was born February 5, 1944 to Richard and Alice (Walmuth) Hanby in Beloit, Wisconsin.
Shirley grew up in the Black River Falls area. After graduating from BRF High School, she worked at the Jackson County Nursing Home and Family Heritage Nursing Home. In 1967, Shirley married the love of her life, Robert Johnson, in Black River Falls, where they continued to live and raise their family. She held a variety of different jobs, including the Meat Factory, The Pines Motor Lodge, Kwik Trip, Taxi Driver, and Hardees. In addition, her and Robert owned and operated The Gameroom, an arcade in Black River Falls. After her husband’s passing in 2015, Shirley moved to Tomah to be closer to her daughter.
Shirley loved camping and spending time on the Pontoon every summer in Hatfield. She and Robert were also avid dancers and loved dancing together at First and Last Chance, and The Pines. She also enjoyed craftwork and collecting Pelicans. Above all, Shirley loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Shirley is survived her children, Richard Johnson (Tracy), Philip Johnson, Becky (Bill) Kibler, Peggy (Kevin) Cook, Vicky (Tom) Chandler, and Maria (Tim) Burlingame; ten grandchildren, Misha (Jeremy) Shramek, Nicholas (Elizabeth) Kibler, Daniel Reynolds (Adam), John Cook, Skyler (Susan) Cook, Shantylle Kibler, Sean Cook, Jacob Johnson, Steven Cook, and Justin Cook; seven great-grandchildren, Emily, Haylli, Lindsey, Jayce, Aleda, Emma, and Lord Finesse; brother, Calvin (Jeannie) Hanby; sister, Faye (Bob) Urbanek; and her dog, Precious.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, Bob Johnson; brother-in-law, Edward Urbanek; and niece, Tanya Urbanek.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at the Buswell Funeral Home in Black River Falls, with Rev. Terry Marg officiating. Friends and family are invited for visitation from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. A private burial will take place at the Hatfield Cemetery at a later date.
The Buswell Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
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