Shelley A. Johnson, 54, of Sturgeon Lake, Minn., left us unexpectedly on Aug. 12, 2008, to be with her Creator. She was born in Tomah on Aug. 21, 1953 to Mary Ann (Lord) Walt and Russell Sowle.
Shelley was a proud member of the Fond du Lac band of Lake Superior Chippewa. She attended school in Duluth and held a certificate from Duluth Technical College in auto mechanics. Shelley worked for a variety of Duluth-based organizations including UDAC, CAP and Fond du Lac Center for American Indian Resources. She was a foster parent and was always willing to open her home to children in need. Shelley loved both the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins and enjoyed playing softball. Her greatest joy in life was being with her partner, Brian, her children and grandchildren. Shelley's kind heart and giving nature will be greatly missed by all.
She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Robert "Bob" Walt, and her father-in-law, Mitchell Spry.
Shelley is survived by her mother, Mary Ann (Lord) Walt (Morrie Botten); life-long partner, Brian Spry; sons, Wayne Johnson and Chris (Nicole) Johnson; daughters, Angie (Robert Reilly) Johnson and Kiara Spry; grandchildren, T.J., David, August, Jason, Bridget, Marissa, Dylan, Brooklyn, Lilly, Lila, Alyssa and Christopher; brothers, John (Tracey) Walt and Chuck (Jori) Walt; sisters, Sarah (Jeff Simenson) Walt and Barb (Pepe) Curphy; mother-in-law, Barb; sisters-in-law, Stacey, Fabrienne and Jessica; brothers-in-law, Jonas and Carter; several nieces and nephews; and her special companion, Buddy.
A memorial service was held on Friday at the Cremation Society of Minnesota.
