Joy Johannsen

MADISON - Joy Mae Johannsen, age 84, died unexpectedly on Thursday June 25, 2015 in Madison, WI. Surrounded by her loving family, Joy passed away peacefully from multiple natural causes attributed to the general aging process.

Joy was born to Herbert and Pearle (Renner) Ward at home during the depression on October 31, 1930 in Weeping Water, Nebraska. Joy had many fond memories of growing up in Nebraska with her two brothers despite their humble beginnings in a tenement house on a small farm. Joy moved to Omaha to be the personal assistant to the editor of the Omaha World-Herald. As a beautiful young adult, Joy was chosen as the Omaha Stockyard Rodeo Queen. She married Luverne Flamme in 1953 and they moved from Nebraska to Iowa and then Madison, WI with their three children Gary, Lyn and Karen. Joy held a passion for flowers all of her life and at one point had over 100 hybrid tea roses in her yard, winning many awards for their beautiful blooms. In 1965 Joy's special love for roses led her to a seasonal part-time job at Johannsen's Greenhouses. Some years later, Joy married Charles Johannsen Jr., adding his 4 children to her family. Joy and Charles spent many wonderful years running the greenhouse, traveling far and wide to exotic places such as the Caribbean, South America, and the USA. Joy continued her travels to Europe and beyond for many years after Chuck's death for as long as her health allowed. Joy had a special fondness for Hawaii, visiting the islands 7 times. Anyone who knows Joy, knows about her love of dogs. At times there were 5 dogs in Joys 10' x 15' office at the greenhouse where Joy would have a daily "dog treat party" with all 5 dogs sitting politely while barking for their treats. Joy's generosity was never-ending and was extended to the long-term greenhouse employees she considered her "kids", her numerous friends, and grateful family.

Joy is survived by her three children Gary L. Johannsen (Susan Moran), Lyn M. Johannsen (Gary Verhalen) and Karen S. Johannsen (Charles Acker), plus her four step children Jane, June, Virginia and Charles III. She will be desperately missed by many, including her children, many friends, neighbors, former greenhouse employees, and especially her beloved constant companion, her little dog Schatzee.
She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Johannsen, her brothers Kenneth and Charles, and the father of her children Luverne Flamme.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 30, from 4-7 pm at Cress Funeral Home located at 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI. Funeral services will be held at Cress Funeral Home the following day - Wednesday, July 1, at 11 am, with visitation starting at 10 am. A luncheon at Cress will immediately follow the service. Memorials in Joy's name may be gifted to the Dane County Humane Society or Olbrich Gardens.

The family wishes to thank Joy's compassionate in-home caregivers, the exceptional staff at Meriter Hospital, Dr. Thomas Casper, and the numerous other health care professionals Joy encountered over the course of her life.

Mom, your tired body may have worn out, but your spirit never wavered.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
(608) 238-3434