Helen Johnson

Stoughton- Helen J. Johnson, age 81, passed away on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at her home. She was born in Peoria, IL on November 8, 1936, the daughter of Harold and Elinor Burgoyne. Helen was raised in Stoughton by her mother and step-father Alvin Anderson. She graduated from Stoughton High School. In 1954 Helen married Chester Johnson. Together they served as Syttende Mai King and Queen in 2001. Helen devoted her life to her family, and to the community of Stoughton serving in many capacities including Rutland Township Treasurer, Stoughton City Clerk, Dane County Supervisor and Mayor of Stoughton. She was proud of her involvement in many activities in the Stoughton area including the Youth Center, Senior Center, Clock Tower and Opera House restoration and Helen Johnson Trail. Helen is survived by her daughter, Rae Ann (Mark Torres) Pearsall; son, Jerry (Alice) Johnson; three grandchildren, John Pearsall, Jenna Karls and Lesli (Jeremy) Dietzman; three great grandchildren, Alejandro, Brenna and William; and her beloved dog Toby. She was preceded in death by her husband, Chet; and daughter, Caryl Karls. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at First Lutheran Church, 310 E. Washington Street, Stoughton, with Rev. Richard Halom officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon, following the burial, in the church fellowship hall. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at Cress Funeral Home in Stoughton, and from 10:00 AM until the time of services at church on Wednesday. Memorials may be made to the Stoughton Youth Center, Stoughton Senior Center, Stoughton Library, or Dane County Humane Society. A special thank you to Phoebe Baker, Julie Swenson and Rosalie and Russ Rodenberg for their excellent care and friendship. Please share your memories of Helen at: www.CressFuneralService.com.

Cress Funeral Service
206 W. Prospect Street
Stoughton, WI 53589
(608) 873-9244