Shari Lou Johnson's Obituary
Shari Lou (Sorvik) Johnson passed away at the age of 84 on June 27, 2018 in Oshkosh, WI.
She was preceded in death by her husband James W. Johnson and her eldest son Richard Wayne Johnson.
Shari was born on Jan 4, 1934 in Moorhead MN, the only child of Alphild (Carlson) Sorvik and Walter Sorvik of West Fargo, ND.
She married James W. Johnson of Harwood, ND in Oct. 1952 and thus began her new life of extreme fun, sometimes silly but always exciting adventures.
Shari and Jim raised 4 children and included them in all of their adventures whether it was flying cross country in the family's airplane the “Bamboo Bomber” while they were living in Indiana or chasing the family’s ever-escaping horse in Virginia to raising chickens and pigs in central Florida or even moving the whole family onto a boat for 6 years while exploring the Intracoastal waterways of Florida, keys and the islands of the Bahamas.
They owned 2 commercial fishing boats and she spent many nights out in the middle of the Gulf in rough seas catching Grouper and Snapper to sell to the local fish markets around Clearwater, FL. After they sold the fishing boats she moved to northern Florida where she grew Shiitake mushrooms and didn’t have any fears at chasing away the snakes that would wrap around the logs that the mushrooms grew on when it was time to pick them and take to market.
She liked playing the piano and guitar and there were many late nights in the Johnson household that were filled with the sounds of music and laughter.
In her later years in Oshkosh she enjoyed living privately and quietly while making beautiful quilts and spending time with her family.
Shari was never afraid to get her hands dirty or try new things and she raised her children to live their lives the same way. She was an outstanding mother and will be missed by her family and friends.
Shari is survived by her family: Kathleen Johnson (Richard -dec.), Scott (Donna) Johnson, Tim Johnson, Tracy (Bauken) Noack. Grandchildren: Natalie (Darrel) Gilbertson, Jennifer (Gustavo) Johnson/Esquivel, Jeff (Ashley) Johnson, Emily Noack, Hanna Noack, Hans Noack. Great Grandchildren: Isabella, Savannah, Alexa, Elliot, Arayah and Miles.
The family would like to thank the staff of Eden Meadows for the care Shari received during her stay there.
As per Shari's wishes there will not be a funeral, instead the family will have a private celebration of her life.
What’s your fondest memory of Shari?
What’s a lesson you learned from Shari?
Share a story where Shari's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Shari you’ll never forget.
How did Shari make you smile?