Kathleen F. Johnson

The Great House of Strays in the Sky took in one of its missionaries on the morning of January 11th, 2024, as Kathleen Faye Johnson went peacefully to her better place as she succumbed to her illness.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Maynard and Marjorie Johnson, and her son, Robert Ozarowicz.

She is survived by her children, Christopher (Jill) Ozarowicz and Carrie (Scott) Gerlikowski; daughter-in-law, Teri Ozarowicz; grandchildren: Benmont and Campbell Ozarowicz, Jocelyn, Alton and Alicia Ozarowicz, Kaylin and Miles Gerlikowski; brothers: Tom (Patricia) Johnson, Maynard (Laura) Johnson, Douglas (Carol) Johnson, Kevin (Mary) Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.

Kathy was born on May 14th,1949, at St Vincent Hospital in Green Bay to Maynard and Marjorie Johnson. Her youth was spent mothering her four younger brothers on the streets surrounding their home on the corner of Webster and Doty. The first of five children spanning 11 years, Kathy spent much of her youth focused on the needs of her younger brothers, often credited with raising the two youngest.

It was her youth spent in service to her family that planted a seed inspiring her remaining years of life. Kathy's strong desire to put her needs aside for the benefit of another stray soul would define most of her future decisions. Whether the stray was of the two or four-legged variety made no difference to her and most of her quips on the subject displayed her preference. The multitude of animal and human strays who found their temporary or final home in one of her houses is a feat unto itself.

After graduation, from St Joseph's Academy, she raised her own family of strays in the shadows of East River Van Beaver Park focusing her energy on making sure her family had what it needed. Kathy spent 35 years at St Vinny's, Bellin, and St Mary's (sometimes all three in the same week) registering patients in the emergency rooms for 12 hours shifts, mostly nights, yet still found the time and energy to support her children in their many sports and activities.

After her kids moved out, she moved her remaining shelter inhabitants "out to the farm" in Kewaunee. Her love of animals gave her grandkids the ultimate playground, and she loved every minute of the farm experience.

Health concerns moved her off the farm but never diminished her desire to keep her family at the forefront as she moved to Eaton to be closer to family. Life on the pond was good for her as she loved to watch the dogs and birds, work in her garden, and watch her grandkids chase frogs and play in the water. She was able to slow down her hectic schedule to carve out a peaceful spot "Up North" and build her cabin. She cherished her time spent watching the grandkids and dogs play in water in the peaceful tranquility of the Northwoods.

She will be fondly remembered and missed by friends and family, both the two-and four- legged variety.

Special thanks to Moments Hospice for their assistance in allowing Kathy to spend her remaining days resting comfortably at home.

At Kathy's request there will be no services, but a request to all to please donate to your local animal shelter or better yet adopt a stray of your own and keep the mission moving forward.