Lavonne E. “Bonnie” Johnson age 90 of Chanhassen and formerly Waconia and Tracy passed away Saturday December 31, 2022 at Riley Crossing Senior Living in Chanhassen.
A gathering to celebrate the life of Bonnie was held January 15, 2023, at the Johnson Funeral Home (141 E. First St.) in Waconia. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.
Graveside service to be held Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at the Tracy City Cemetery in Tracy, MN with Pastor Katherine as officiant.
Bonnie lived her life serving others. Everyone who knew her fell entirely in love with her! Her quick wit, fun-loving and generous spirit filled any room she entered. Her upbeat, big personality defied her petite stature.
Bonnie was in pure bliss whenever she taught children at Tracy Elementary in her hometown and continued her retirement years subbing at the local elementary schools in Waconia well into her 80s. Whether she was on the floor demonstrating a hatching egg during science or standing on a chair to read to students taller than her, “Mrs. Johnson” gave all of her love and passion to educating young ones every day in every moment of her life. Everywhere Bonnie went, at school, at church, at the grocery store, in the neighborhood, etc., there were always children shouting, “It’s Mrs. Johnson!” and running to her for a big hug! Her love of teaching will live on in the many generations of students she has taught throughout her life!
Family and friends meant everything to Bonnie. She loved entertaining. She was a wonderful host, and her gatherings were filled with her incredible storytelling, hilarious sense of humor, and more food than anyone could eat. Bonnie was the one who everyone wanted to be with at an event. She had the gift of connecting with others and making people feel special and loved.
Bonnie was hilarious, silly, fun-loving, a prankster, generous, loving, and kind. Even during the last two years of her life at Riley Crossing Senior Living, Bonnie continued to be the life of the party and a favorite among the staff.
We are eternally grateful that Bonnie was such an incredible role model as a teacher, friend, mother, and grandmother. We are thankful to have been blessed with her bright life shining on us all.
Lavonne is preceded in death by her husband Leslie Johnson; parents William and Cora Poulsen; brother Everett Poulsen.
Lavonne is survived by her loving family: son Brad Johnson and wife Liz of Waconia; daughter Jodi Connors of Chanhassen; grandchildren Braden Johnson, Libby Johnson, Maggie Connors; sister Arlene Schultz of Wabasso; other relatives and many dear friends.
Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia. 952-442-2121 www.johnsonfh.com