Charlene Lillian Johnson, 63, from Scottsdale, Ariz

[Stan]

Charlene Lillian Johnson — Scottsdale, Ariz.

Charlene Lillian Johnson, 63, from Scottsdale, Ariz., went to her rest on Friday May 4, 2012.

Charlene was born July 16, 1948, in St. Paul to Cherie and Ronald Larson, the first of four children. She graduated from Winona State University with a degree in Medical Technology and wed Darwin Johnson on May 23, 1976, in Winona.

Charlene’s early career was as wife and mother to their three children. After moving from Rochester to Phoenix in 1998, Charlene began working for Mayo Clinic in Arizona, where she worked as a phlebotomist for over 10 years.

Throughout her life, Char found great enjoyment in mentoring and teaching children, whether as a Girl Scout leader or as a Pathfinder director for the Minnesota and Arizona clubs at the Seventh-day Adventist church. Charlene and Darwin traveled extensively around the United States. They even took a memorable trip to Europe to visit Charlene’s Swedish relatives.

Charlene enjoyed hiking with her husband and children. She was an active member of the Rochester SDA church and the Camelback SDA church in Arizona teaching Sabbath School classes for the children. She was an excellent seamstress, sewing dresses and knitting baby blankets. She was an avid reader and jigsaw-puzzler.

She achieved Master Guide status in the Pathfinder club and, with her family, Charlene hiked across the Grand Canyon twice. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile which would light up any room and for being the most caring person you ever met.

Charlene is survived by her husband; Darwin Johnson of Scottsdale, Ariz.; her children Shawn Krueger, of Rochester, Heather Johnson, Aaron and Laura Johnson, Phoenix; stepdaughter Janet Johnson, Portland, Ore.; and grandchildren Cara Johnson and Xander Johnson; her brothers, Doug and Paul Larson; and sister Janine Farnel.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father Cherie and Ronald Larson, and her first husband, Larry Krueger.

A viewing for family and friends was held Sunday, May 6 at Messenger Mortuary in Scottsdale, Ariz. A memorial service was held on Monday, May 7 at the Camelback SDA church in Phoenix.

A remembrance service and light lunch will be held at 12:30 p.m. May 20 at the Rochester SDA church, located at 1100 37th St. N.W.

In lieu of gifts and flowers, donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Hospice of the Valley would be appreciated.

Under His Wings she is safely abiding