Barbara Ann "Barb" Johnson

COTTAGE GROVE - Barbara “Barb” Ann Johnson, age 79, of Cottage Grove, Wis., passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025.

Barb was born in Madison, Wis., the daughter of Wilmer “Mush” and Laura (Spies) Bothun. She grew up on the east side of Madison and graduated from East High School in 1964. In 1963, she met Noel. She was working at the Eastwood Theater, and he was frequently across the street at Havey’s gas station. They were married in 1964. They had three children, Allan, Julie and Andy.

Barb was a devoted wife and loving mother. Anyone who remembers her husband, Noel, will know that 60 years of marriage together was no simple feat. They stuck it out through good times and bad. She was always there for him when he needed her. The same is true for her children-always there to support and help them from the minute they were born until her last day. By example, she taught her children how to be caring, loving and kind with a good sense of humor. Her Christian faith was evident not only in all the time spent serving in multiple ways at church, but also in her everyday actions. Her role was paramount in the development of her children’s faith.  

Circle, quilting, handbell choir, ushering, serving on boards and helping with special events like the church bazaar, potlucks and youth group fundraisers were some of the church activities in which she served and participated. She also went on youth group trips as a leader to places including Lutherdale camp and Chicago. She guided her children as they grew in faith at church, Sunday school, confirmation and high school youth group.  

When her children were young, she was a “stay-at-home” mom, also providing daycare for other children in the neighborhood. She became a good cook, following in her father’s footsteps. She was actively involved in her children’s education. She went on school field trips and was an involved Girl Scout leader.

As her children got older, she worked at a craft store in Monona. She loved making crafts and often sold them at craft sales and donated them to the church bazaar and other fundraisers. In 1989, she started working as a pharmacy technician at Shopko East from the day it opened until the day it closed 30 years later.  

Barb loved many forms of crafting including sewing, crocheting, quilting and greeting cards. She enjoyed making quilts with the ladies at church. After she retired from Shopko, her crafting hobbies led to her donating her time and talents to making shawls, fidget quilts, hats (over 500 made) and other things for RSVP. She won the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 for her dedication and lifelong commitment to volunteer service.

After joining Hope Lutheran Church in 1974, Barb’s involvement grew. Many of her closest friends are ones she met at church.  

Barb is survived by her three children, Allan (Kathy) and grandson, Reed; Julie and Andrew; brother, Bary; cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Noel; her parents, Wilmer and Laura; parents-in-law, Henry and Ann Johnson; and sister-in-law, Mary Ann Bothun.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Lutheran Church in McFarland or R.S.V.P.

A funeral service will be held at HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3702 County Highway AB, McFarland, at 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Visitation will be held at the church from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. A graveside service will follow at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, at 2:15 p.m. on Thursday. A luncheon will follow back at the church.

Barb’s family would like to thank all the health caregivers at Agrace who took care of her in her final days. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420