Johnson, Katherine H.

Johnson, KatherineKatherine H. Johnson, 93, of Galesburg, died at 8:10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, 2015 at the Care Center of Abingdon.

She was born August 23, 1921 in Galesburg, the daughter of Arvid W. and Hildur (Holmes) Nelson. She married Harry A. Johnson Jr. on May 26, 1926. He preceded her in death January 9, 2004.

She is survived by one sister, Ann Nelson of Honolulu, Hawaii; two brothers, John E. Nelson of Reston, Virginia and Lynn A. “Pudd” (and Doris) Nelson of Galesburg; and nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Earl H. Nelson and Robert L. Nelson; and one sister, Mary Jean Olson.

Katherine graduated from Galesburg High School in 1939 and Galesburg Cottage Hospital School of Nursing with the class of 1942. She served three years as a Navy Nurse during World War II with the rank of Lieutenant J.G. and eventually earned the rank of First Lieutenant. She was stationed at Great Lakes, Illinois; Clinton, Iowa Naval Air Base; the Naval Hospital in Norman, Oklahoma; and Mare Island California Base Hospital in Vallejo, California.

She served as a volunteer for the Knox County Red Cross Blood Bank for many years. She worked for the Knox County Tuberculosis Association. She was a member of the Ralph M. Noble American Legion Women’s Auxiliary and was formerly active with the Galesburg Cottage Hospital Nurses Alumnae Association.   She was a member of First Lutheran Church.

Katherine loved spending time in her flower and vegetable gardens.   She enjoyed golfing, jig saw puzzles, sewing, and being a homemaker. She was an avid Cubs and Bears fan. She always looked forward to an annual trip to Chicago’s Hawthorne or Arlington Race Track.

Visitation will be 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday, July 9, 2015 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 10 a.m. with Rev. Pamela Marolla officiating. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, where military honors will be provided by Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post 285.   Memorial contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church or the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary.   Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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