Kathleen Johnson, 94, Minot, formerly of Des Lacs, died Friday, May 20, 2011, in a Minot Hospital.

Kathleen was born February 14, 1917, in Minot, the youngest of three children born to Nancy Caroline (Shurtz) and Oliver Kirby (O.K) Spires. Kathleen lost both her brothers and her mother before the age of eight. This forged a special bond between Kathleen and her father that would last until his death in 1975. She was raised on the family farm near Ruthville, North Dakota, and attended St. Mary's grade school and graduated from Minot High School in 1934. She earned a standard teaching certificate from Minot Normal School in 1936 and her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Minot State University in 1977. Prior to her marriage, Kathleen taught in many area schools. While teaching near Coulee, North Dakota, Kathleen met her future husband, Wallace H. Johnson.

Kathleen and Wallace were united in marriage on October 18, 1942, in Minot, North Dakota. Following her husband\'s induction into the Army and during his service in the European theater of World War II, Kathleen taught school in Ryder and Des Lacs, North Dakota. Upon Wallace\'s return from active duty, Kathleen and Wallace made their home and raised their family on the family farm three miles southwest of Des Lacs. After a brief break from teaching to raise her family, Kathleen returned to teaching in the fall of 1956 at Sawyer Public School, and later taught for many years at Des Lacs-Burlington Public School. Kathleen retired from teaching in the spring of 1987, following 37 years of dedication to her chosen profession. Wallace and Kathleen retired from farming and moved to Minot in 1999. Wallace died on March 15, 2011.

Kathleen was active in her church serving in the priesthood holding the office of Elder. She also taught Sunday school, was active in the church women\'s group, and was both local and district youth leader. She held district offices for the church in the Northern Plains District covering western North Dakota and eastern Montana.

Kathleen was a charter member of the Rolling Green Homemakers club. Kathleen also served as clerk of the Des Lacs Public School Board. She was a vocal soloist for many events over the years and was well known for her beautiful singing voice. She especially enjoyed participating in many local musical productions. Even in her later years Kathleen never lost her love of music-- she participated in musical programs at the Trinity Nursing Home as a soloist. Up to her final hours Kathleen sang to all those she loved and who cared for her.

In addition to music, her hobbies included, reading, gardening, baking, camping, caring for her many pets, and spending time with her family especially her grandchildren. Every summer Kathleen and Wally took all their grandchildren camping. Kathleen also loved to travel, taking many family vacations and extended trips. In later years Kathleen fulfilled a lifelong dream when she and Wallace were able to travel to Europe.

Her loving family includes: children, Richard (Sallie) Johnson, Minot, LaJuana (Edward) Lech, Mandan, Randolph "Randy" (Linda) Johnson, Minot; grandchildren, Tandi Michelle (Steve) Brayson-Foster, Devin Delane (Nancy) Johnson, Tiffaney Kathleen Johnson, William Brian Fox, Caroline Lyn (Todd) Wanttaja, Taryn Janelle (Terry) Erickson, Rebecka Louise Sasich, Kirby Wallace Johnson, Brady Lee Thomas Johnson, Eric Michael Sherven, Megan Nicole Sherven; step-grandchildren, Jason (Angela) Lech and Robert (Sadie) Lech; great-grandchildren, Austin Wallace Ahmann, Madison Paige Ahmann, Kolby Andrew Wallace, Mason Todd Wanttaja, Thomas Randall Erickson, and Trista Lynn Erickson; step-great-grandchildren, Noah Lech, Landon Lech, Amelia Lech and Kaitlyn Lech; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Kathleen is preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, Wallace, her parents, and her two older brothers: Austin Spires and Lyle Spires.

Funeral service : Thursday, May 26, 2011, 2:00 p.m. Christ Lutheran Church, Minot, North Dakota; Interment : Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, North Dakota;
Visitation: Wednesday 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.