Genevieve Arlene Johnson (Halverson) of Melrose died Feb. 2, 2021 at the age of 95. She was born June 8, 1925 to Clarence and Esther (Brown)in the township of Franklin. She married Neuman J. Johnson in May 1943. They farmed the Johnson homestead in the North Bend area, a Wisconsin Centennial Farm, for nearly 50 years.

Genevieve is survived by three daughters, Darlene Bartelt (Donavan) of Brooklyn, WI, Janice Reuter (Ronald) of Onalaska, and Jai (formerly Marilyn) of La Crosse, six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, two sisters, and many nieces and nephews.

Genevieve lost her husband to cancer in 1990 and was preceded in death by a son Darrell in 1977, a grandson Paul Bartelt, her parents, 7 siblings, and several nieces and nephews.

Mom was active in Homemakers and Ladies Aid at South Beaver Creek Lutheran, a church founded by her and her husband's grandparents. She served as Treasurer and Council Member for many years and became the church's first woman President, presiding over their 150 ^th Anniversary jubilee. Mom's "second career" with the church brought her incredible joy.

In retirement, Gen traveled from coast to coast including DC, Branson, the Grand Canyon and California (with the Huber family). She spent many vacations with Jan and Jai's families to the Great Lakes, Canada, and the Dakotas. She enjoyed many extended stays with Darlene's family.

An avid reader, and Sudoku and jigsaw master, Mom still found time to create beautiful quilts and needlepoint for gifting. She taught countless people how to make lefse. Mom especially enjoyed having company and never failed to serve them a delicious lunch. She loved her big birthday parties crowded with relatives and friends.

Mom's dearest friend was neighbor, Marie Johnson. Their husbands died just weeks apart and the two later moved to adjacent apartments in Melrose, living there for 24 years. In 2020 they became roommates at Pine View Care Center. Marie, at 104, died less than one month before Mom. We picture them now playing cards and drinking coffee surrounded by loved ones.

We give thanks for Mom's many caregivers: social workers, Memorial Hospital and Clinic staff, Hospice staff, and the crew at the care center who showed Mom such love and affection during the many difficult months of isolation.

A private family service will be held Feb. 10 ^th . Mom's wish was to have a service with her Pastor's message, lots of music, and her loved ones from near and far. We will honor that wish after Covid restrictions are lifted.