Vionne “Vi” Edell Johnson of Chelsea, Michigan, age 94, passed away Monday, August 18, at Chelsea Retirement Community. Vionne was born in 1930 as the youngest child of a Scandinavian farm family in Granite Falls, MN – the much-loved daughter of Emil Carl and Hulda Nelson.
In December of 1951, Vionne married her high school sweetheart and trombone rival, Kenneth E. Johnson. Fifty-nine years of marriage and corporate moves took them to Minneapolis, New Jersey, Iowa, Northern Minnesota, Kansas, Maine, and finally here in Chelsea. With each move, Ken and Vi would become active members in their local churches, making enduring friendships along the way. Vionne was an elementary school teacher, a homemaker, a Deacon of the Presbyterian Church, and most recently a member of the Huron River Methodist Church of Dexter. Kenny and Vi’s shared wanderlust also led to travel around the world. Well into her 94th year, Vionne was a lively companion on family trips, near and far. She will be missed for her grace, wisdom, and laser-like wit.
The heart of her family, she was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth and son Dr. David Johnson, brother Harlan, and sisters Elaine and Phyllis. She leaves behind her daughter Wendy (Bill Smith) of Ann Arbor, son Scott (Tamra) of Chelsea, and daughter-in-law Laurie Clark of Rhode Island; seven grandchildren: Joseph (Marelly), Daniel (Leslie), Natalie (Chris), Matthew (MaryAnn), Andrew, Ben, and Mabel; as well as six great grandchildren and loving nieces and nephews.
Memorial service details will be shared at a later date at www.colefuneralchapel.com.
8123 Main St Suite 200 Dexter, MI 48130
