- Date Of Birth: October 4, 1919
- Date Of Death: April 14, 2014
- State: Michigan
JOHNSON, Helen B. passed away peacefully at home with many family members surrounding her on Monday, April 14, 2014, at the age of 94. In her own words, she had a wonderful life. Helen was born October 4, 1919, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of the late Frank J. and Cecelia E. Courtoise Stender, and was a lifelong resident of Kalamazoo.
She attended St. Joseph Catholic Church with her family since 1953. She was extremely proud of her 10 children, 44 grandchildren, and 84 great-grandchildren. She loved attending grandkids’ activities, summers at the family cottage, snow in Michigan, yard clean up at home, vacations at National Parks, camping up north, playing cards, needlecraft, jigsaw puzzles, visiting and hosting children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends. On June 14, 1941, she married Harry J.
Johnson the love of her life preceded her in death on November 17, 1997. Helen is survived by her 10 children, Jon Nancy Johnson of Sidney, IA, Janet Knudsen of Portage, Jill Rick Blakeslee of Galesburg, Jennifer Jim Berry of Centennial, CO, Jackie Bob LaBarge of Kalamazoo, Jerry Sherri Johnson of Portage, Jim Nancy Johnson of Mattawan, Judy Jim Heeter of Mattawan, Joyce Larry McClish of Portage and Jayne Jim Engels of Portage.
She was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Bill Knudsen, and a grandson, Matt Johnson.
