Carol J. Johnson

Carol Jean (Vaughn) Johnson, 80, of Winona, passed away peacefully on Thursday April 25, 2024, at Deer Crest Senior Living in Red Wing, MN.

She was born September 10, 1943, in La Crosse, WI, to William and Viola Vaughn. Carol married Harland Johnson on September 8, 1962, at the Cathedral Church in Lacrosse WI. He preceded her in death on December 29, 1999, at the age of 60.

The day after graduating Aquinas High School, she went to work at a law firm in downtown LaCrosse. While working at the law firm she and Harland married. Harland worked for a plumbing distributor, WA Roosevelt. In January of 1965 she went to work for The Trane Co in their Purchasing Dept.

In 1966 they moved to Onalaska WI. She continued to work for The Trane Co. until April 1972. Then in June of 1974, they moved to Winona MN for Harland’s new job at the Judd Co. In 1978 she began

working for Winona Agency. She was able to work her way to becoming a Commercial Lines Marketing Coordinator. A position she enjoyed and was proud of obtaining. She made friends with many coworkers here. She retired from the agency in June 2004.

Carol met Ken Flottmeier in November 2006. They traveled together for several years. They each retained their own homes but got together often.

Besides family and friends, she liked to go camping. Her and Harland often camped with a Coachman Camping Club. She enjoyed road trips, her flower gardens, feeding and watching the birds, reading books and jigsaw puzzles. She always enjoyed watching and rooting for the Green Bay Packers.

Carol’s legacy is carried on by her children, Linda (Tom) Lilla, Joanne (Paul) Tollison, Gregg (Amy) Johnson; grandchildren Joshua (Andrea) Tollison, Allyssa Tollison, Keegan Johnson and Griffin Johnson; sister, Nancy Mae Ingram, brother-in-law David Ingram and sister-in-law Elizabeth Vaughn; as well as nieces and nephews and her partner Ken Flottmeier.

Besides her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Harland, sister Shirley Ann Berg, brother-in-law Myron Berg and brother Richard Vaughn.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Deer Crest Senior Living Center Memory Care- where she resided for just over three months. The staff of Benedictine Living Community Care Center, where she had several short stays. And St. Croix Hospice for the wonderful and loving care she received. And finally, her dear neighbor’s Gary and Barb Marg who watched out for Carol for so many years.

A memorial gathering and celebration of Carol’s life will be held at The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, MN, on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Visitation will be held at 9 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. followed by a burial at Saint Mary’s Cemetery and then a luncheon back at the church.

Carol’s memorial preference is to the Alzheimer’s Association - act.alz.org