Mildred Elizabeth (Polley) Johnson was born on May 10, 1919 in Eldora, Iowa. The daughter of Harry and Ethel Fern (Cross) Polley, also born in Eldora, Iowa. In 1922, the family moved to Turtle Lake, WI. Mildred attended grade school at Horseshoe Lake and finished high school in Turtle Lake in 1936. She moved to Amery following graduation and worked at Madden's Beauty Shop as an apprentice until that fall when she attended Lee's Beauty School in St. Paul. Following graduation, she worked many years at the beauty shop in Amery. On August 15, 1943, she was united in marriage (for 63 years) to Winfred S. Johnson of Worthington, MN, who was teaching at the Amery High School. They lived their entire married life, within a stone's throw of North Twin Lake, in Amery where they raised their four children.

Mildred was a charter member of Meals on Wheels in Amery, serving for more than 30 years. She was very active in the Order of Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Grand Matron many times, District Deputy and Grand Representative of Arkansas. She has been a member of First Lutheran Church in Amery since 1942, serving as Women's Group President many years, Martha's Circle President and also the quilting group for over 40 years. She has been active in the Amery Homemakers Group, Neighborly Nites and as Southeast Center Chairwoman. Mildred and Win traveled extensively in their travel trailer and were members of the Apple River Drifters camping group – a great group of friends! Since retirement Mildred and Win spent winters in Texas, Arizona and Florida and have enjoyed 3 'cruises', 2 trips to Europe and a cruise/trip to Alaska. They were blessed with a full and wonderful life! Mildred died at Our House Senior Living in New Richmond on Sunday, December 2, 2012 at the age of 93 years.

Left to celebrate her life are their children: Dennis & Molly Johnson of Opelika, AL; Gary & Gay Johnson of New Richmond, WI; Steven & Gloria Johnson of Hudson, WI; Randy & Janice (Johnson) Kosanke of Milwaukee, WI. 13 Grandchildren: Ms Angela (Johnson) Caswell (Opelika, AL); Ms Jody (Johnson) Malarick (Clearwater, FL); step-grandson Jason Nelson (Eau Claire, WI); step-granddaughter Shannon (Nelson) Siems (Knoxville, TN); Michael Johnson & Christy Cunningham, Daniel and Andrew Johnson (New Richmond, WI); David & Jessica (Johnson) Crass (St, Paul, MN); Michelle Johnson (Hudson, WI); Eric & Kelly (Kosanke) Heipel (Milwaukee, WI); Andy & Lora Kosanke (Milwaukee, WI); step-grandson Will Haase, (Minnetonka, MN); Chad & Allison Manz (Sioux City, IA). 13 Great Grandchildren: Adam, Alex, Aaron and Andi Malarick, Christian Johnson, Kaylee Fucci, Riley, Samuel and Henry Johnson, Hunter and Hailey Manz, Colton and Riley Marie Siems. She also leaves a sister Arlis Farmer of Prior Lake, MN, 8 nieces and nephews as well as other relatives and friends.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, husband Winfred Johnson, and sister Ethel Graber.

Their 'extended families' at First Lutheran Church, Masonic Lodge/Eastern Star, camping groups, friends met during 'winters in the South' and all the dear friends in Amery have made Win (devoted teacher and father) and Mildred (exceptional homemaker and mother) the most fortunate duo in Amery! Our family sincerely thanks all of you for making Win and Mildred's lives so full of life and love!!

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Amery with Pastor Tim Bjorge. There will be a visitation time for the hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at the Amery Cemetery. Memorials can be made to First Lutheran Church.