Lynn M. Johnson

Lynn Marie Johnson, 82, passed away peacefully at her home in Shawano on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, as four of her children and dear friend Deacon James Lonick held her hands and prayed the rosary.

Lynn was born April 1, 1938, the eldest of five children, to the late Edmund and Marie (Schweers) Aschenbrener in Shawano. She attended school in Shawano and graduated from Shawano High School with the class of 1956.

Lynn spent most of her adult life in northern Ohio. She was one of the first female foremen at the Tappan plant, which assembled industrial air conditioning units. In her later years, she was a house leader in the L’Arche’ Cleveland community, which helped men and women with disabilities live as a family in a home environment.

Throughout her life, Lynn was extremely dedicated to her Roman Catholic faith, and for eight years, she was a cloistered contemplative nun in Erie, Pennsylvania, before returning home to Shawano. Since returning to Shawano, Lynn was a prominent parishioner at daily Mass. She supported her parish in many ways, including washing and ironing church linens, leading the daily rosary, administering communion to the local nursing homes and visiting the sick in the community.

She also was an avid reader, trusted friend and caregiver to many; but most of all, she was a doting mother, grandmother, aunt and sister. Her love of her faith, family and friends were prominently displayed in photographs throughout each room in her home — covering every wall.

Loved ones cherishing her memory are her eight children, Debra Klosterman, of North Olmsted, Ohio, Dawn (David) Balmer, of Dickinson, Texas, Michael Klosterman, of Houston, Texas, Timothy (Cynthia) Klosterman, of Avon Lake, Ohio, Thomas Johnson (Ebony Boulware), of Durham, North Carolina, David Johnson, of Atlanta, Georgia, Hillary Johnson, of Smyrna, Georgia, and Daniel (Sonia) Johnson of St. John’s, Florida; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; her siblings, Dan Aschenbrener, Sue (Cap) Walrich and Bill (Patricia) Aschenbrener; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and countless friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Steven Aschenbrener; sister-in-law, Beverly “Bev” Aschenbrener; and foster sister, Ruth Potratz.

Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2020, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 302 S. Main St., Shawano, with a parish prayer service at 6 p.m.

The memorial Mass for Lynn Marie Johnson will be celebrated Saturday, July 11, 2020, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Family visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until the hour of service with the Rev. Scott Valentyn officiating. Entombment will take place in the Sacred Heart Catholic Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers and plants, the family requests memorials be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in her name, Lynn M. Johnson. Donate with SecureGive at the parish website at sacredheartshawano.org.

Mickelson Funeral and Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.

Many thanks and appreciation to all family members, friends and loved ones who supported Lynn during her final days. The family extends special thanks to her loyal friend, Sharon Anderson; her brother, Dan Aschenbrener; her loving friend, Rosie Fierek; her sister, Susie Walrich; devoted daughter-in-law, Dr. L. Ebony Boulware; Kelly Lund, and the nurses, staff and caregivers of ThedaCare at Home Hospice and Lakeland Care Inc.

We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge Father Scott who, in addition to prayers and having Masses said, performed the Anointing of the Sick, and celebrated a full Mass in her home; and Deacon Jim who assisted with services and all family requests, sent daily text messages to Lynn, performed the Viaticum and was there at her bedside, praying as she transitioned. To all, your time, prayers, love and acts of kindness have not gone unnoticed. We are forever grateful. May God’s continued blessings be with you and flow through you. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.