Obituary for Carol Joan Johnson

Carol Joan (Kramer) Johnson, 92, of Forest City died Friday, March 10, 2023, at the Good Samaritan Center where she was a resident. A private family gathering will be held at a later date.

Carol was born on September 27, 1930, daughter to the late Cyril and Wilma Kramer of Remsen, IA. She graduated from LeMars High School and Iowa State University.

Carol began her teaching career at Augustana Academy where she met fellow teacher Ken Johnson. They were married on June 14, 1953. To this union, 3 children were born. Carol was a full-time mother until going back to renew her Iowa teacher’s certificate when her oldest started kindergarten and returned to teaching when her youngest started kindergarten.

Carol was the home economics teacher in the Forest City Schools for many years. She was also a Girl Scout leader, sang in the choir at Immanuel Lutheran Church, enjoyed basket making, weaving, sewing and most any kind of arts and crafts. Carol entered the first basket that she made into the MacNider Art Museum craft show and won honorable mention. She continued to enter her baskets and other fiber weaving wall hangings into juried shows for many years. Her beautiful creations were displayed in her home for family and friends to enjoy.

Carol rode horses and helped teach her children to ride and care for the horses. She also raised goats, geese and a few chickens. She enjoyed reading, playing the piano, listening to music, drinking tea and collecting teapots. She was a member of the Red Barn Dancers and several other local square dancing clubs. She was a docent at the Stockman house in Mason City as she appreciated the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. Making lefse was a favorite holiday tradition that Carol shared with her family.

When Ken took a job in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Carol retired from teaching and joined him. Carol was able to travel to many foreign countries during this time and enjoyed sharing her travel experiences with others when she returned. Her presentations included slideshows, clothing from various countries and many unique souvenirs.

Carol is survived by her three children: Jeffrey (Kae), Rosalyn and Loralyn (Jim Trost); 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; sister Nancy (Mike Graham); sister-in-law Mary Kramer.

She was preceded in death by her husband; brother Kay and 2 grandsons.

Memorials may be directed to the Forest City Education Foundation and designated for the Ken and Carol Johnson Scholarship Endowment.