Virginia "Jen" Johnson

Virginia "Jen" Johnson, 90, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri died Wednesday, March 04, 2015 at The Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Virginia (Jen) Johnson was born November 13, 1924 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She was the seventh of eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. William Heuschober. Jen graduated from Central High in Cape in 1941 plus a year of Business College. As a young child she spent many summers with Great Aunts in New Orleans, and in 1942 she moved there. A failed short marriage took her to California. Diana was born of that union. Jen and Ken married April 5, 1953 and had one son, David. Ken's Air Force career took them all over the United States and they spent three years in Japan. Jen had her career of 36 years as a statistical clerk with various Government Agencies and a private industry. Jen felt her travels gave her the real education. Jen was a busy person, a Den Mother, mentor in schools, visited nursing homes and always ready to lend a hand, baking, baby sitting and helping Ken when he allowed it. She did arts and crafts and almost daily wrote a letter to keep in touch with their friends of 50-60 years. Her goal was to write a book on her life, might shock a few but that's life. After Ken retired from the Air Force and 10 years with the Post Office, in 1973 Jen decided it was time to quit. In 1978 they retired to Texas after 17 years in California. They had 25 wonderful years on their "Funny Farm" until Ken's horrible illness took him in July 2002. Jen moved back to Cape in October 2004 to a retirement village. It isn't home, but a nice place to live out her life. Jen's back injury that came with the move had slowed her down but she didn't give up. Jen was proud and loved her family, treasured visits and calls. Her loyalty and love for Ken never faltered. She said she was half a person after his death. Friends have been the mainstay in Jen's life. "They are like stars. You can't always see them, but they are always there." She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, three sisters, and two husbands. Survivors include: Son - David C. Johnson, Altendive, MT Daughter - Diana Hendrickson, Amelia Island, FL Sister - Patricia Hodges, East Prarie, MO Grand Child - Leslie (Frank) Kratcoski, Libertyville, IL Grand Child - Shelly (Mark) Labay, Las Vegas, NV Grand Child - Rosa Johnson, Sacramento, CA Great Grandchildren - 5 Nieces & Nephews - Numerous Friends may call 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM on Monday, March 09, 2015 at Cape County Memorial Park & Mausoleum in Cape Girardeau. Graveside entombment will be at 2:00 PM Monday, March 09, 2015 at Cape County Memorial Park & Mausoleum in Cape Girardeau with Steve Hodges officiating.

Tributes

Virginia "Jen" Johnson

March 4, 2015