Sharon Kaye Johnson, age 69, of Twin Valley, MN, passed away in her home on Tuesday, August 17, 2021. She was diagnosed with lung cancer in late May of 2021.  She fought through the chemo and radiation treatments with a smile, and we all thought that she had beat it and were very surprised with her passing.

Sharon was born on January 14, 1952, in Mahnomen, MN, to Johnnie and Mayme Gunderson (Hill). She has one sister, Donna Johnson of Mahnomen, and four brothers: Jim Gunderson of Dilworth, MN, Stanley Gunderson and his late wife, Beverly of Mahnomen, Ray Gunderson and his wife, Barbra of Dresser, WI, and Dale Gunderson and his wife, Merry of St. Croix Falls, WI.

Sharon graduated from Mahnomen High School in 1970. On September 13, 1975, she married Dennis Johnson. In their earlier years, you could find Dennis and Sharon shooting pool, on a dance floor, or having drinks with locals. In their later years, you could find them both in the backyard tending the garden or at the Shooting Star Casino chasing the jackpot.

Sharon worked for the Twin Valley Retirement Center and the Twin Valley Nursing Home as a cook for 39+ years. She enjoyed the people she served and relationships she built at work. In her spare time, you could find her in the garden picking raspberries and weeding the vegetables.  Sharon's true passion was cooking. Her ham, glorified rice, baked beans and mocco cakes were always a family favorite. She was well known for her Christmas sweets and cookies that she produced in grand quantities.  Sharon also liked to can beets, dill pickles, and Dennis's favorite, refrigerator pickles.

Sharon was very proud and truly enjoyed all her children and grandchildren.  She could sit for hours smiling and laughing as the grandkids ran around the yard, opened Christmas and birthday gifts, or played a game of kickball in the yard.  Sharon was always quick with a laugh and eager to help in any way she could.  She spent many days and nights catering events (funerals, birthday parties, family get-togethers, graduations.) During her retirement years, she would help clean apartments and drive elderly friends to their doctor appointments. Sharon Kaye Johnson was a giver of her time and talents. She will be missed by many.

She leaves behind three sons: Aaron (Josie) Johnson of Sartell, MN, Dennis (Barb) Johnson of Devils Lake, ND, and Derrick Johnson of Lake Park, MN.  She also has six grandchildren: Brynn, Kallie, Gretta, Seth, Rylie, and Neelie.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley. A time of gathering will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.