Obituary for Luverne J. "Lovey" Johnson

Born in Minneapolis on Flag Day 1933, to Carlton and Quinn Engen, she was one of six kids. Always loving and giving, she put others first which garnered her the nickname, Lovey. In 1949 Lovey met the love of her life Ray Johnson. Two years later, in 1951, they were married at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Robbinsdale. They recently celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary -- which is not only an amazing milestone, but also a huge testament to their love and commitment to one another.

Luverne was an amazing homemaker and wore this title with honor. She loved to cook, bake, and crochet – including a number of gorgeous afghan blankets that she readily shared. Anyone who stopped to visit would always be welcomed with a big hug and something to eat. Over the years, Luverne made many beautiful wedding cakes for family and friends. Though never prideful, she worked tirelessly to make sure each cake was unique and perfect. In addition to these wonderful hobbies, she also had a green thumb. She spent many peaceful hours in her beautiful garden often saying it was her therapy. It brought her joy to share the fruits of her labor.

In their later years, she and Ray loved to travel to Texas for the winter. They would play cribbage, go to jam sessions, attend worship services, play bingo, and above all enjoy the company of their dear friends.

Luverne’s family and faith were very precious to her. A member of Zion Church in Brownsville, Luverne was a very faithful servant of God; always praying for others. In addition, she was a member of the Brownsville VFW Women’s Auxiliary. She is preceded in death by her parents and four siblings, Geraldine Hanke, Marian Shoultz, Marvin Engen, and William Engen.

She is survived by her husband, Ray; sister, Virginia (Jinny) Schultz; son, Brian (Karen) Johnson; daughter, Bonnie (Don) Robley; grandchildren, Jessica Goins, Brianna Johnson, Jacob Johnson, Nyssa (Jack) Eitel, Brandon Robley, and Brent Robley; and great-grandchildren, Talia Johnson, Dominick Kuntz, Keeghan Goins, Trey Goins, Elijah Johnson, and Lillia Mensch.

A memorial service will be at 12 noon on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Fredrickson Funeral Home, Woodruff Chapel, 4239 Mormon Coulee Road, LaCrosse, WI. Pastor David Dunt will officiate.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

The family would like to personally thank Brownsville First Responders, Caledonia Ambulance, the staff at Mayo Clinic Health System La Crosse, and St. Croix Hospice for their gentle care and kindness.

Online condolences may be offered at this site.