Gail Ellen Johnson. 63, of Kenosha, passed away Tuesday, January 29th, 2008, at St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee surrounded by her loving family. Born in Milwaukee on October 23, 1944, she was the daughter of Neil and Arlin (Groth) Grubbs. She was baptized at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and confirmed at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. She attended the schools of Milwaukee and graduated from Washington High School and also from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She then received her Masters Degree from Carthage College. On July 16, 1976, she married McHenry Johnson in Kenosha. She was a Special Education teacher for 33 years for the Kenosha Unified Schools; Lincoln, McKinley, Pleasant Prairie, Bain and Southport Elementary Schools. Gail was a member of St. Mary's Lutheran Church and she volunteered at Kenosha Memorial Hospital with heart patients. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, swimming, crafting and especially spending time with her family and friends. Surviving are her husband of 31 years, McHenry; a son, McHenry G. (Sara) Johnson of Oshkosh; her mother, Arlin Grubbs; three sisters, Karen (Dale) Haymann of Blair, WI, Diane (Tom) Sowinski of Oconto Falls, WI, and Kathy (Gary) Carter of Hackett, AK; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her father. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 2nd, at St. Mary's Lutheran Church at 10:00 am. Interment will be at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield, WI. Visitation will be held on Friday at Proko Funeral Home from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm and on Saturday at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church from 9:00 am until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to United Hospital Systems Cardiac Care would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Gail's Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Laura (Carter) Lovelace
Uncle McHenry, Cousin McHenry G. and Sara, It is so hard to put into words the grief I feel right now. I can only imagine how tough this is for you. God broke the mold after he created Aunt Gail. What an inspiration she was to so many people. She was a trooper day in and day out. She was one of those people you meet along the way, once in a great while, who truly lift your spirit. I am so upset that I am way down here in Arkansas and I never got to spend the time I desired with you guys. I feel I have missed so much. My life and my children's lives would have been tremendously blessed and enriched if we all had the opportunity to share in one another's lives on a regular basis. Please know that my heart is with you right now Uncle Mac. I know God needs some strong leaders up in Heaven, and Aunt Gail will get everyone lined out up there. She is not afraid of any kind of challenge. It is hard not to be sad, but I guarantee you that little woman is watching over you Uncle Mac and McHenry & Sara, so live like she would want you to. Hold your head up and if you find you have the time, maybe you can give to others as she did. Maybe volunteer a bit of yourself such as Aunt Gail did. I think Aunt Gail will smile when she sees that you are carrying on a bit of unfinished business for her. You are in my prayers each and every day. I love you guys. Laura
Mike Serpe
Dear Mac,I'm so terribly sorry for your loss and I can only imagine how sad you must be. I hope that the wonderful memories of your years together will be provide comfort to you. Be well and take care my friend.Mike6674 Hidden DriveEgg Harbor, WI 54209
Karen (Grubbs) Haymann
February 8, 2008
Dear McHenry, Mac and Sara, Dianne and Tom, Kathy and Gary, Pam and Nick, and Kathy and Gary (Sara's parents) and all who knew and loved my sister, Gail:What a positive, strong sister and friend we had. The last five years of her life she treated with such respect, feeling blessed to be here, and thankful for good doctors and great technology. I believe she was prepared for whichever way her surgery turned out. My sister had a deep faith in God, absolutely LOVED her family and was blessed with many friends. She was an inspiration to many, many people. I heard that over and over at her wake. My daughter said that when she was young and in touch with Aunt Gail that she was great -- funny, fun to be with and very creative. I dearly miss my sister and grieve with all of you. I know Gail would want all of us to keep in close contact with her husband, Mac and son McHenry and his wife Sara. May God bless us all to carry on her strong faith and wonderful positive approach to life. Gail, we will meet again. Thanks be to God,Love, Karen
Julie Alia-Yust
January 31, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I was an aide for Gail many years ago, and she was such an inspiration to me. Because of her, I went on to persue a job I never thought I would encounter. She actually took me to your house and made me light a candle to assure I would get the job!!! And I did!! I think of her often and I am terribly sorry that I didn't get the chance to let her know that!! God Bless All Of you!! Gail turned out to be an angel that looked out for me, now, she is your angel.... watching over you!!! My deepest sympathy!Julie
Gina Levek
January 31, 2008
Dear McHenry, Mac, & Sara,I am not sure McHenry, if you know that I had the privilege, as a Special Education Coordinator for Kenosha Unified, to work with Gail. She was a master teacher. Gail could always be counted on to give 110% for the children she served. During this time, the early 90's, she and I became friends and enjoyed each others company. Later in life we found that our sons became the best of friends. What joy it was to have Mac around, and I am sure it brought joy to your home to have John hanging out as well. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones during this difficult time. Mac and Sara, you know that I love you, and I am here for you now and in the future in anyway that I can be. May God surround all of you with the peace that only He can give.Much Love, Gina