Johnson, Emma Arlene

Emma Arlene Johnson, 88, of Cedar Rapids, died March 16, 2013, at Northbrook Manor Care Center, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. The family will greet friends Tuesday, March 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Interment will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

She is survived by her husband of 34 years, James Johnson of Cedar Rapids; a daughter, Deb (Jerry) Durgin of Mount Vernon; two sons, Gary Anderson of Cedar Rapids and Larry (Sandy) Anderson of Perry, Mo.; two stepdaughters, Susan Faulkner of Cedar Rapids and Jean (William) Millkey of Atlanta, Ga.; a stepson, Charles (Mary) Johnson of Robins; two sisters, Margaret Stange of Iowa City and Marie Hassellbush of Geneseo, Ill.; 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Clifford Melvin “Andy” Anderson, who passed July 24, 1960; five brothers and two sisters.

Arlene Johnson was born Aug. 15, 1924, the daughter of Glenn and Leona (Montgomery) Freeman, in Shellsburg, Iowa. She graduated from high school in Walker, Iowa. She was united in marriage to James Johnson on May 6, 1978. Arlene was a Sunday school teacher for Trinity Methodist Church, a choir member for the Calvin Sinclair Presbyterian Church, and a lifelong member of the Easter Star in Cedar Rapids. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, and time with her family and friends.

Arlene was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

The family would like to send a special thanks to the staff at Northbrook Manor Care Center and Hospice of Mercy.

Please leave a message, tribute or memory to Emma's family on the website, www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.

Published March 17, 2013 in The Gazette