Barbara Diane (Aaby) Johnson, a beloved member of the Woodville community, will be celebrated for her remarkable life and contributions. Born on May 13, 1932, Barb passed away peacefully on October 13, 2024, following a very short illness. She leaves behind a legacy of love, humor, and kindness that touched the lives of many.
Throughout her life, Barb was known for her vibrant spirit and love for her community. Barb attended UW-River Falls where she earned her degree in elementary education. Following graduation, she married her high school sweetheart Ronnie. The couple was blessed with four beautiful daughters, Mary, Nancy, Peggy, and Amy. Barb raised their daughters at home until the youngest was ready for school. That’s when Barb decided to go back to school, as well. She influenced countless young minds during her 16+ years as a 6th grade teacher in the Baldwin- Woodville School District, where she was a student favorite. She’s fondly remembered for her good humor, dedication to education, and nurturing spirit, earning her a special place in the hearts of many. Her passion for making her town beautiful through flower gardens and her involvement in community organizations like the Women’s Club and Lions Club showcased her generosity and selflessness.
Growing up, her competitive spirit enjoyed cheerleading and playing ball with the neighborhood boys, even losing some teeth in the process. She was a pioneer in Woodville, serving as the first ever crowned Syttende Mai Queen. Her enthusiasm for life extended into her hobbies including bowling, golfing, needlepoint, and spending time at the cabin her father built over sixty years ago on Horseshoe Lake. Most of all, she adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren, attending every activity of theirs that she was able to.
Barb will be dearly missed by her surviving family members: Daughters: Mary (Doug) Holle, Nancy (Jeff) Schneider, Peggy Stone, and Amy (Steve) Perry. Grandchildren: Brooke (Zac) Campbell, Maggie (Kyle) Holmlund, Lindsey (Craig) Kent, Bailey (Andy) Szmanda, Alice (Brett) Tiffany, Shane Stone, Emily Perry, Anna (Nate) Egeberg. Great Grandchildren: Finley, Jordy, Baylor, and Briggs Campbell, Elin and Vail Holmlund, Elsie and Nash Kent, Sawyer and Miles Szmanda, Harrison, Jack, andTrigg Tiffany, Josie and Hallie Egeberg. Siblings; Steve (Janet) Aaby, Larry (Sandy) Aaby, Julie (Dan) Holle, Sisters-in-law, Nan Johnson and Bonnie Peters. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Johnson; parents Oscar and Gladys Aaby; sister Joanne McMahon, in-laws Mabel and Edner Johnson, and brother-in-law Donnie Johnson.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will take place at Zion Lutheran Church in Woodville, WI, on Sunday, October 20, 2024. The visitation will be held from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Memorial service at 5:00 p.m. Supper to follow.
In honoring Barbara Diane Johnson, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with laughter, love, and unwavering dedication to her community. She will forever be remembered for her kindness, wit, and the joy she brought to all who knew her. May her spirit continue to inspire us all to live a life of purpose and love.
Services entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Homes – Baldwin.
