Wilhelmine J. "Wilma" (Glunz) Johnson

Wilhelmine “Wilma” J. Johnson, 84, of Urbana, passed away peacefully at 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at home surrounded by family. Wilma was born April 5, 1938 in Heilbronn, Germany to Konrad and Sofie (Pfisterer) Glunz. She married Medford D. “Dee” Johnson May 6, 1961. He survives. Also surviving are her four children, Konrad Johnson of Thomasboro, John (Susan) Johnson of Urbana, Darrel (Penny) Johnson of Urbana and Tina (Colby) Boman of White Heath; her grandchildren, Jacob (Jen) Johnson, McKenzie Johnson, Breanna Johnson, Lindsay (Matt) Lebo and Brittany (Scott) Hedden; her great-grandchildren, Andrew and Charlie Johnson, Lucas and Dawson Lebo and Greyson Miles and Quinn Russell. She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Julie Anna Johnson and five siblings that remained in Germany.

Wilma had been battling a type of dementia for almost five years that took away her physical independence. Thankfully, God kept her mind intact, and she still knew all of us and would somehow find a way to communicate her love. Wilma grew up in Germany during the end of WWII learning quickly how to be tough and frugal. She was very brave and moved to the U.S. at a young age without knowing the language and proudly became a United States citizen. Wilma also taught herself how to speak English just from watching tv. She was such a feisty, funny and loving person with a generous heart that never knew a stranger. Wilma loved to dance and in their younger years she and Dee belonged to a local German club, where they made many memories with friends. They participated almost every year in the German Fasching party by dressing up in fun and creative costumes. Wilma also enjoyed crocheting and was known for making afghan blankets and slippers for friends and family. The slippers are now a cherished commodity. Around 1997 they bought a condo in St. Petersburg, Florida and decided to spend the winters there. For around 22 years they enjoyed the sun, walking on the beach and social events at their club house.  Wilma was always known as a hard worker and could not sit still long. After her children were grown, she decided to work as extra help for the University of Illinois in the catering department and did this for around 17 years. Wilma’s personality and smile could light up any room. She did not always have a filter when speaking, but no one ever questioned her fierce love for her family and protection over them. Though she could be very onery and stubborn, you could always tell that her intentions were from the heart. We believe she was one of God’s best creations!

Visitation will be from 10:30am to 11:30am Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Lake of the Woods Church, 910 S. Trailside Drive, Mahomet, IL. 61853. Funeral service will follow at 11:30am at the church. Memorials may be made to Lake of the Woods Church. Online condolences: www.rortvedtfuneralservices.com

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