Carolyn Johnson

On Friday, November 11, 2022 her almighty Lord and Savior called Carolyn Kathryn (O’Neil) Johnson, 79, of Ogden, Iowa, home.

A visitation for Carolyn will be held from 5-7 pm on Sunday, November 20th at Carson-Stapp Funeral Home in Ogden. Her life will be celebrated during funeral services at 10 am on Monday, November 21st at First Assembly of God in Boone, Iowa. Pastor Don Beal will officiate. Cremation will follow. At a later date, Carolyn’s ashes will be spread in a private ceremony in her “happy place,” New Hampshire.

Carolyn Kathryn O'Neil was born on September 17, 1943 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York to Kenneth O’Neil and Kathryn (Sherack) O’Neil. She grew up in Jackson Heights, Queens County, NY, where she spent her formative years attending Catholic schools. She graduated in 1961 from St. Vincent Ferrer, an all-girls Catholic high school.

After high school, Carolyn left New York and attended Monticello Junior College, an all-female college in Illinois, earning her associate degree. She then transferred to Drake University where she met Daryl, whom she later married on June 5, 1964, prior to obtaining her teaching degree. They were wed at Swede Valley Lutheran Church in Ogden, Iowa, a historic church cherished by generations of the Johnson family. The couple initially resided in Boone, then Des Moines, later Payton, and finally Ogden, Iowa where they continued raising their five children on a farm.

As Daryl and Carolyn began welcoming children into their lives, Carolyn’s life was defined by being a beloved mother and homemaker. Initially she put her career on hold, but later began substitute teaching, eventually living out a dream when she instructed her own classroom in East Greene. She found herself going back to school, earning her Master of Arts in Special Education the year her youngest graduated from high school. As her children began to move away, she found herself visiting grandchildren in the Kansas City area, where in time she accepted a classroom teaching position, working for nine more years before ultimately retiring in 2013.

Carolyn was very proud of her New York heritage. She long admired the NYC police department, as her father retired as head of the the NYC bomb squad. She also loved the food, reminiscing about Chinese food, Katz’s Deli, and bringing with her the most exceptional NY cheesecake recipe she would make during holidays that was sought after. Legend goes her father stole it from a famous NYC restaurant. Sometimes her accent would escape, with words like “harrible, soda” and “ahmond,” to the delight of her children’s friends.

When Carolyn married, the joke was she could not even boil water! Thankfully, her wonderful mother-in-law Ruby Johnson apprenticed her, teaching her how to cook and bake, helping Carolyn hone her skills. She was a natural in the kitchen! Carolyn absolutely enjoyed cooking and baking everything from scratch, as she put it. She found it satisfying when her appetizers, meals, and desserts brought enjoyment to others, especially her family. Whatever event she attended, whether it was a church gathering, school event, bridal shower, or holiday, Carolyn’s food dishes were highly desired.

Carolyn’s Aunt Anna, or Aunt Danna, as she was affectionately called, was a professional seamstress in New York. She instilled in Carolyn a love for sewing. From the time her children were small, Carolyn sewed them many types of clothes. She had a large sewing room in her basement with a custom cabinet and closet to store all her sewing supplies. Countless hours were spent cutting out patterns, pinning fabric together, and eventually sewing masterpieces. She made outfits for her children’s and grandchildren’s christenings, graduations, and numerous special events. Carolyn also enjoyed knitting, making beautiful blankets, scarves, and practical everyday things like dish rags her daughters and daughters-in-law loved.

Growing up on the East Coast, Carolyn enjoyed summers at her parents’ lake property in New Hampshire. As an adult, her love for New England grew and she continued to travel there every summer so she could share her “happy place” with her children and eventually her grandchildren. It absolutely delighted her that she could help create some of the same memories for her family which her father shared with her long before. She developed many friendships in New Hampshire, and was already making plans for next year’s visit.

Carolyn loved her family and friends. She enjoyed Girls’ Night Out, or GNO as she would abbreviate it, with her KC teacher friends. She loved family picnics and spending time with friends in other states, often traveling to see them. She cherished hugs and kisses from her grandchildren, the time spent attending concerts, dance recitals, figure skating competitions, football and basketball games, and countless other special events in her family’s lives. Carolyn was the life of the party, with an infectious laugh and knack for telling stories. She was admired for her devotion to her family, spunk, providing sound advice, love and concern for underprivileged children, but above all her personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Survivors include her husband, Daryl Johnson of Ogden, IA, and five children, Erick (Laura) Johnson of Ogden, IA; Audra (Steve) Harrison of Overland Park, KS; Justin (Mila) Johnson of Ames, IA; Andrew Johnson of Sioux Falls, SD; and Dr. Carey (David) Wennerstrom of Lenexa, KS, along with her 12 grandchildren.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Kenneth O’Neil, Jr.

For online obituaries and condolences, please visit: www.carsonstappfuneralhome.com

Carolyn’s celebration of life will be live streamed on the Carson-Stapp Facebook page.

Donations may be made to the following: www.harvesters.org click “how to help” then click “donate” then click “donate now” choose amount, check box under “honoree/tribute gifts” and complete info in Carolyn’s name and designate it for the BackSnack Program or mail a check to Harvesters BackSnack Program PO Box 412233, KC, MO 64141

Minot Sleeper Library 35 Pleasant St, Bristol, NH 03222. (603) 744-3352. librarian@townofbristolnh.org Please designate in Carolyn’s name. All donations are tax deductible.