JoAnne Elizabeth Johnson,  53, of Nicollet, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Messiah Lutheran Church, North Mankato, with the Rev. Tom Heyd officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the church.

JoAnne was born on Feb. 12, 1959, to Philip and Patricia (O’Connor) Kermes in Albert Lea. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Theodore’s Catholic Church in Albert Lea. JoAnne was a graduate of Central High School in Albert Lea. On Nov. 15, 1980, JoAnne was united in marriage to Gary Johnson at St. Theodore’s Catholic Church in Albert Lea. Over the years, she was employed with Carlson Craft for more than 27 years. JoAnne was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church. She enjoyed crosswords, variety puzzles and swimming. JoAnne was a very strong and loving woman who never gave up the fight.

Grateful to have shared JoAnne’s life are her husband, Gary; two daughters: Jolene (Jason) Robinson of Mankato and Angela (Matt) McClintic of Lakeville; son, Derek Johnson of Killeen, Texas; grandchildren: Tim, Jeff and Lily Robinson; mother, Patricia Kermes; sisters: Sharon (Mark) Dempewolf, Susan (Mark) Runden, Rita Kermes and Jackie Trapp; brothers: Matt (Connie) Kermes, Mark (Anne) Kermes and Neil Kermes; brother-in-law, Randy Farris; and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

JoAnne was preceded in death by her father, Philip; sister, Kathy Farris; brother-in-law, Mark Trapp.