Ardene J. Johnson

The Johnson family lost their kind, cheerful, witty, beloved matriarch on April 27, 2025, when Ardene passed away peacefully at the age of 93, just as she had lived her life, surrounded by family, love, and music.

She was born in Fremont, MI, on July 20, 1931, and even though she lived in Superior, WI, most of her life, she was a Duluthian in her formative years and always considered herself a proud Minnesotan. She earned her degree from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and started dating her future husband Kenneth after he made her laugh in class. Together they raised four kids who turned out terrific because of Ardene’s never-ending sense of humor, fiercely unconditional love, and homemade cinnamon rolls.

Ardene was the best storyteller, and if you were lucky enough to hear her life tales, they said so much about her character: She was a tomboy who broke a window playing football with the boys. She was a child playwright who put on a neighborhood show to raise money for the Red Cross. She was a Grand Rapids teacher who stood up for bullied students. She was a pianist and held her first recital at the age of three. Then she tickled those ivories for symphonies, soloists, a hip party band called the Blue Notes, and – at 93 – bookended her music life in February with a recital for her New Perspective neighbors. She could play 1,000 songs by heart, and she took requests.

She could deep-fry homemade donuts and crimp a pie crust like a pro. She loved sports – especially the Vikings and Twins, as well as anything played by her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. She hosted every hectic holiday with a smile and a gravy boat. She had perfect pitch. She loved Sinatra and could cut a rug to modern tunes. She and her sister Zonda toured with their spectacular piano duo “Music from A-Z” for 15 years. The grand piano she played and owned for 80 years is now displayed at the Superior Fairlawn Museum. There’s a little less music in the world, with her passing.

Missing her terribly are her children Randy (Kathy) Johnson, Mark (Sue Krahling) Johnson, Laura Johnson, and Jennifer (Brian) Beers; and grandchildren Keith, Courtney, Randi Kay, Ashley, and Cody and their spouses and children, whom she tirelessly cheered on and so deeply loved. She will be fondly remembered by sister Zonda, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends she thought of as family, and everyone who knew her.

A Visitation will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street in Superior, and will continue until the Memorial Service at 11:30 AM with Chaplain Trish Mattson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you take a plant to an elderly care facility, listen to a song that fills your heart, and call your mom.

To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.