Kathleen Joy Johnson, aged 80, a resident of Belmont Village in Carol Stream, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.  She was born April 21, 1945, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to George & Cora Nelson.

The youngest of five children, Kathi grew up in a loving home and came to know Jesus as her personal Savior at a young age.  She attended Minnehaha Academy, where she enjoyed playing her flute in many musical ensembles, and continued on to Wheaton College, where she majored in English and graduated with honors.

It was at Wheaton that she met the love of her life, fellow Swede Marvin Johnson.  After marrying in February 1968, Kathi and Marv lived in North Carolina, Germany, Michigan, and Illinois.  Together, they raised three children in Mundelein, Illinois, where Kathi actively served in music, children's, and women's ministries at Calvary Church.  A versatile and gifted educator, she also taught numerous GED and math students throughout the years.  She was a talented cook and blessed with the gift of hospitality, welcoming friends and family to the table for a delicious meal and engaging conversation.

Kathi struggled with many serious health conditions from 2003 onward, but she refused to let her illness or limitations define her.  Throughout their marriage, Kathi and Marv loved to travel, and they continued to do so even as Kathi's health declined. Highlights included trips to Sweden to visit relatives, Ireland to visit their son Matt while he served in youth ministry, Florida to escape Illinois winters, Minnesota to visit siblings, and any trip to visit their children and grandchildren in either Illinois or Michigan.

After moving from Mundelein to Saddlebrook Farms in 2003, Kathi made numerous friends through her leadership in Stonecroft Bible Study and her friendship with the Morgan Court neighbors.  She enjoyed singing in the choir at Faith Church and quietly served others through the card ministry at Fierce Church.

As her health failed over the past 1 ½ years, Kathi did not grow bitter. She continued to love, encourage, and pray for others, pointing them to Jesus, who loved and sustained her throughout her life. Her absence will be keenly felt as she was a treasured wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. However, we rejoice that she no longer suffers and is in the presence of the living God.

Kathi is survived by her husband of 57 years, Marvin; her children Karna (Russ) Chrusciel, Matt (the late Charmaine) Johnson, Bjorn (Heather) Johnson; her grandchildren Emma, Annika, Sadie, & Lucy Chrusciel and Hunter & Brock Johnson; her brother Mark (Sherrill) Nelson. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sisters Gloria Nelson, Carol (the late Dwight) Thompson, and Georgia (the late Jerry) Kindall.
A memorial service will be held at Fierce Church, 954 Brae Loch Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030, on Sunday, October 5, 2025.  Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow at 3:00 p.m. The service will be livestreamed here: Kathleen Johnson Memorial Service . A private family interment will be held at Ft. Sheridan National Cemetery in Lake Forest, Illinois.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Samaritan's Purse , P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or Stonecroft Ministries , P.O. Box 8900, Kansas City, MO 64114.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.