Obituary of Phyllis Johnson Fournier

Our mother, Phyllis Johnson Fournier, 97, of Duluth, MN passed away in the early morning hours on Monday, December 21, 2020, at Franciscan Health Center in Duluth.

Mom was born to Alfred and Bertha Johnson in Eveleth, MN on September 3, 1923.

When Phyllis was young, the Johnson family moved to Garden St. in Duluth. Phyllis attended Chester Park Elementary, East Jr. High School, and Duluth Central High School graduating in 1941. She attended the College of St. Scholastica graduating in 1945 with a degree in Medical Technology.

Mom was involved in many organizations when she was physically able. During her teen years she was proud to have been a Job’s Daughters’ Queen. Her many adult activities included Kenwood grade school PTA, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Kenwood Community Club, Arrowhead Hiking Club, election judge, and Meals on Wheels volunteer. Most importantly she attended as many of her grandchildren’s sports and other events as she could, usually wearing her green sport outfit.

Mom was a long time member of First Lutheran Church in Duluth participating in the Esther Circle and other activities at the church.

For many years she was also a member of the Senior Citizen dance troupe called “The Inspirations.” They participated in many events in the Duluth area with a number of them including dancing in the Christmas City of the North Parade.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Marjorie Kooistra; her husband, Russell Fournier; and her granddaughter, Brianna Johnson.

Phyllis is survived by her brothers, Donald (Laviere) Johnson of Duluth and Floyd (Bev) Johnson of Glen Ellyn, IL; her children, Gary (Joanne) Johnson, Kathleen (Ray) Privett, and Roger (Nadine) Johnson; her grandchildren, Casey Johnson, April (Bryan Groth) Privett, Marina (Jeff) Udd, and Ray Privett; great-grandchildren, Joseph, Gina, and Vinny Udd and Nissa and Walton Groth.

The family would like to thank the staffs at Aftenro Home and Franciscan Health Center for the wonderful care they provided our Mother.

At the family’s request, memorials can be directed to First Lutheran Church, Duluth, MN.

A private family-only service will be held.