Carolyn Kay Johnson, longtime Sioux City resident, died Friday, June 15, 2018, at a local care facility.
Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 19, at Augustana Lutheran Church. Burial will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Larkin Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Homes.
Carolyn was born Nov. 5, 1936, to James Henry and Helen Paul Johnson of Albert City, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Albert City. Carolyn received her education at Albert City schools and St. Luke’s School of Nursing. Carolyn retired after 36 years from St. Luke’s Hospital, where she was a pediatric nurse.
Family was Carolyn’s love and joy. Carolyn was a devoted sister and treasured aunt. She had a fun, witty sense of humor and a big heart. Carolyn was noted for always remembering others with a gift or surprise. She was an avid reader of the newspaper and her family lovingly said she didn’t just read the paper, she absorbed it. Carolyn enjoyed going out for meals with her family and friends, and attending family functions. Carolyn shared a special bond with her sister, Rosie, visiting with her daily on the phone and being there for her.
Those blessed to have Aunt Carolyn in their life and cherish her memory include her nephews and nieces, David (Lorene) Smith of Cherokee, Iowa, Kevin Smith of Sioux City, Sheila (Bob) O’Connell of Cushing, Iowa, Nancy (Mike) Richardson of Sioux City, and Amy (John) Meier of Overland Park, Kan. She also has three great-nieces and nephews, Alex (Robyn) Smith and sons, Scott (KayCee) O’Connell, and Kristin (Matt) Ruppert; and her special friends Dave, Jean and Joshua Midland.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Neva (Myron) Elsasser, Mavis (Peter) Smith, and Rosie (Harold) Richardson; a brother, Paul (Elaine) Johnson; and two nephews, Daniel Richardson, and Mark Elsasser.
Carolyn held dear the Bible verse from Psalm 46, "God is our refuge and strength." Blessed be her memory.