Deborah Johnson

Deborah ‘Debbie’ Johnson (nee Zube), age 66 of Fridley MN

The best wife, mom, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away on November 23rd, 2018. Debbie enjoyed cross stitching, music, crocheting, and even went downhill skiing in the 70’s and 80’s. One of her favorite things to do was decorate for the holidays; Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, St Patrick’s Day, Easter—you name it, and she had a festive trinket for the occasion. Baking cookies over the holidays was a beloved tradition for Debbie, and she always made sure to bake everyone’s favorite cookie. She very much enjoyed cheering for the Minnesota Golden Gophers Men’s Basketball team, attending many home games with her husband, Jerry, over the last 45 years. Her knowledge of college basketball even won her quite a few Johnson family bracket challenges, much to her son’s dismay. Debbie was extremely supportive of her husband Jerry’s business and worked with him side-by-side for many years. When she was younger Debbie worked a variety of jobs, starting at Wally’s Roast Beef in Bloomington MN from 1968-1973, and Zayre Shopper City from 1973-1978. For most of her career Debbie worked for the Columbia Heights School District as a Paraprofessional educator in the special education department at North Park Elementary School, retiring in 2017 after 25 years. She loved her work dearly and cherished every moment she spent with the kids she aided. Time after time she would bring them toys and goodies, always wanting to make them feel special. Debbie also participated in many town and community events, volunteering her time for friends and coworkers.

The greatest love in Debbie’s life was her family. She lived for her husband and her three boys; Matt, Erik, and Bob. She never missed an event—every baseball game, every football game, every basketball game, Debbie was there. As the boys grew older, and her family grew larger, Debbie’s love grew deeper. Over the past couple years what she loved the most was spending time with her three grandchildren. She would do anything for them and spoiled them any time she got the chance. Debbie’s love for her grandchildren knew no bounds, and her joyful spirit will live on through them.

Preceded in death by her father Lowell Zube, mother Deloris Zube, and brother Paul Zube. Survived by her husband Jerry Johnson, sister Marilyn Carlson, sons Matthew (Jenny), Erik, & Robert (Alice), grandchildren Barrett, Brady, & Wyatt, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation Wednesday, November 28th from 5-8pm at Miller Funeral Home, 6210 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley.  Funeral service Thursday, November 29th 11 am with visitation one hour prior at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 61 Mississippi Way NE, Fridley.

Memorials made to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation dedicated to Debbie are preferred. The family would like to send a special thank you to the specialists at Humphrey Cancer Center, and the nurse team on the 6th floor at North Memorial Hospital.

millerfuneralfridley.com