Arlys Johnson Obituary

Arlys Anna (Larsen) Johnson

August 16, 1934 - June 14, 2025

Arlys Anna (Larsen) Johnson, a devoted wife, mother, nurse, and crafter extraordinaire, passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at MCHS Hospital in La Crosse. Born on August 16, 1934, in Iona, Murray County, Minnesota, to Margaret May (Crabtree) and Arthur Christopher Larsen, she embraced a life rich in faith, love, dedication, and creativity.

From her early years in Mankato, Minnesota and Flandreau, South Dakota, Arlys demonstrated a commitment to caring for others. After graduating from Flandreau High School (Egan, SD) in May 1952, she pursued her passion for nursing at Presentation School of Nursing, McKennan Unit, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota beginning in September 1952 and proudly earning her degree in September 1955. Following graduation, she worked at various hospitals as a pediatric nurse until her first child was born; Arlys always reflected fondly on her years as an RN and used her knowledge to care for her young children.

On October 8, 1955, Arlys married Rodger Alan Johnson of Genoa, Wisconsin. Together, they embarked on a journey, moving between multiple Air Force bases across the country as Rodger fulfilled his military service. Following Rodger's retirement, they settled in La Crosse to raise their three children, Paul (Kari) Johnson, Lynn (Kevin) Dennis, Darren (Corrie) Johnson, instilling in them her values of kindness, faith, and resilience. Later, she extended the same warmth to raising her granddaughter, Kristy Johnson.

Arlys was a steadfast member of St. James the Less Parish, where she raised her children in faith. She was a devout member and served the church through the PCCW. At least once a week or more, she would assist with luncheons and meeting with the craft group where she enjoyed making many things with her friends over the years and frequently brought projects home to work on. Undoubtedly, she was proud to share Rodger's creative woodworking skills with the group as they contributed many pieces to the Church's annual Holly Berry Fair.

As a teenager, Arlys learned to crochet and continued to do so for most of her life. She was so gifted, her son, Paul, often reflected, she never had to look at her stitches and frequently had a yarn ball in her lap and a hook in her hand as she watched TV in the evening. She could whip up a baby blanket in seemingly no time! Eventually crocheting became too difficult for her, but she will be remembered for the numerous blankets created over the years, ones which have become treasured keepsakes for family and friends.

Arlys is survived by her children, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many close friends and family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rodger; her parents; brother and sister, Ronnie and Marlene Larsen; and one grandson, Joshua Patrick Johnson; as well as many dear family members and friends. Her legacy of love and faith remains ever-present in the hearts of those who knew her.

A special thank you goes to the compassionate caregivers at Mulder Healthcare in West Salem, where Arlys resided since October 2022. Her memory will live on through the many lives she touched and the laughter she shared.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 10 a.m., St. James the Less Catholic Church, 1032 Caledonia Street, La Crosse. Visitation will be one hour prior to Mass. Entombment will take place at the Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Andy Johnson, Lucas Johnson, Matt Hase, Eric Reynertson, Joey Johnson and Kristy Johnson.