KAREN SUE JOHNSON

KAREN S. JOHNSON

Karen Johnson, 63, of Cooperstown, North Dakota, passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2025.

Karen was born on June 7, 1961, in Anchorage, Alaska, to Helen (Wark) and Billie Cushman. Her family moved many times from different military bases before settling in Cooperstown, ND, in January 1970.

Karen graduated from Cooperstown High School in 1979. She attended Lake Region College in Devils Lake, ND, majoring in Nursing. She graduated in 1980 and was employed by the Griggs County Nursing Home in Cooperstown. She worked at the Nursing Home and the Cooperstown Medical Center Clinic before working at the Dakota Regional Medical Center at the time of her passing. Karen’s calling to carry out her nursing duties totaled 47 years.

Karen married Jerry C. Johnson on June 13, 1981, at Zion Lutheran Brethren Church, Cooperstown. Together, they raised two daughters, Sarah and Emilee.

Karen was a wonderful source of information for her co-workers. It was common practice for her to go above and beyond for her patients/residents. She knew no end to her work. She would work a full shift at her job, and from there, she would help others in need within the community, assisting the people with whatever medical issue they were dealing with. For her, there was no real beginning or end to her nursing shift. Countless times, she would stay at work to ensure her patients received the care they deserved.

Her compassion, not only for her profession but for her patients, is what led her to receive the Daisy Award in 2021. This prestigious award is given to a nurse recognizing their care in serving their patients.

Karen was a dedicated member of the Cooperstown Ambulance squad for many years. She was also on the Westley Cemetery Board.

When Karen wasn’t working, she spent as much time as possible with her family. She adored and loved her grandchildren with all her heart. Many times, she would leave them surprise gifts. While her love language was gift giving, she never expected anything in return. Spending time at her grandchildren’s events was a highlight in her life. She enjoyed hockey and soccer games, dance recitals, and the children’s school activities. She was also an avid UND hockey fan. Attending numerous games with her sister, Nancy.

Karen will be remembered for her compassion and gentle demeanor. Her family is what she lived for. She touched the lives of so many people in and around the community, always displaying a happy and positive attitude. Karen had a true passion for people. She loved to visit with people and wanted to know all about what was going on in their lives.

Karen was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Cooperstown. Her strong, spiritual faith did not go unnoticed. Karen and Jerry attended church faithfully and believed that faith makes all things possible. She was a firm believer in Christ and knew that whatever came her way, her faith would get her through. She was, and always will be, the “Healing Angel” in her hometown, gently nurturing and helping wherever needed.

Blessed be the memory of Karen S. Johnson.

Karen is survived by her husband, Jerry, and daughters Sarah (TJ) Rooney, Bismarck, ND, and Emilee (Andrew) Peterson, Grand Forks, ND, and her beloved grandchildren Kenady, Macy, and Kade Rooney and Brooke, Elle, and Shay Peterson. She is also survived by her sister Nancy (Paul) Paintner and brother Rick (Tammy) Cushman, both of Cooperstown, ND and sisters-in-law Laurie (Bruce) Hazard and Kim (Kent) Dick, both of Cooperstown, ND; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, friends, and coworkers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Billie and Helen Cushman, brother Billy, and niece, Katie (Cushman) Chandler.

A Memorial Service will be on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 2:30 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, Cooperstown, ND, followed by burial in the Westley Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, May 9, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 pm, followed by a Prayer Service at 7:00 pm in the Church.