Sharon Ann Johnson

With heavy hearts, we share that Sharon Ann Johnson made her journey to Heaven on June 14, 2025, after a short stay at St. Mary’s Hospital. Born on May 8, 1942, in Binghamton, NY, to William and Margaret Hill, Sharon moved with her family to Rochester, MN, in 1957. She attended Central High School and was among the first graduating class of John Marshall High School in 1960.

Sharon met her lifetime partner and devoted husband, Lauritz (Ole) Johnson, at the Pla Mor Ballroom, where music and dance brought them together. That fateful meeting sparked a lifelong partnership filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. They married on September 18, 1965, and over the next seven years, they built a loving family together, welcoming three children: Lisa, Victoria, and Jason.

Sharon was deeply devoted to her family, including her six siblings: Kay Smith and Mary Hill of Denver, CO; Jim Hill of Phoenix, AZ; William Hill Jr. (wife Lisa) of Thailand; Jayne Fay of St. Petersburg, FL; and John Hill of Rochester, MN. She also cherished her many nieces and nephews.

With a strong work ethic and dedication to service, Sharon attended Rochester Junior College and worked at Rochester State Hospital before beginning a long and fulfilling career at IBM, where she remained until retiring in 1991. Not ready to slow down, she later worked for Byron Public Schools for another decade, retiring in 2004.

More than anything, Sharon loved her grandchildren—Addie, Emmalee, Jakob, Braden, Elliana, Osa, and Ike—with all her heart. She made it a priority to attend their events, performances, and activities, never missing a moment if she could help it. She devoted herself to keeping up with their lives, always knowing where they were and what they were up to.

Sharon found joy in creativity and had a passion for hobbies galore, including watercolor and acrylic painting, crocheting, gardening, downhill and cross country skiing in her younger days, sewing, and puzzles. Sharon also had an undeniable sense of style. She loved shopping and creating outfits that reflected her personality and grace. She never left the house without looking polished and put together, always embracing life with grace and confidence.

You could often find Sharon in her She Shed, nestled on their property in Byron, working on crafts, sipping coffee in the morning, or enjoying a glass of wine in the evening with friends and family.

Above all, Sharon was a fighter, a warrior, and endlessly positive. She faced and overcame many health challenges with unwavering strength, never complaining. When asked how she was doing, she would always say she was really good, always getting better. She selflessly wished to donate tissues and organs to science, hoping to contribute to medical advancements that would help others in the future.

Sharon was known for her warmth, grace, and unwavering kindness. She never spoke a harsh word about anyone and approached life with a heart full of compassion. Her friends often remarked that she had an innate ability to make others feel valued and appreciated, always offering encouragement and understanding. Whether in quiet gestures or heartfelt conversations, Sharon’s presence was a gift to all who knew her.

Sharon’s kindness, resilience, and love will forever be cherished by those who knew her.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Ole, her daughter Lisa (Andy) Black, and grandchildren Addie, Emmalee, and Braden Black; her daughter Vicki (Chris) Bruske, and grandchildren Jakob and Elliana Bruske; and her son Jason (Amanda) Johnson, and grandchildren Osa and Ike Johnson. She is also survived by all of her beloved siblings and their spouses, in addition to sister-in-law, Jane Attlessey, sister-in-law, Marcia (Fred) Young. Sharon was predeceased by her parents, William and Margaret Hill, her mother in-law and father-in-law Stella and Elmer Johnson, her sister-in-law, Gretta Vincent, and nephew, Daniel Rice.

A private funeral service will be held for family. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Sharon and Ole’s home in Byron, MN, from 3-7 p.m., where friends and loved ones are invited to gather and honor her memory.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE Kasson, MN 55944 (507)634-6510. Blessed be her memory.