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Obituary: Elaine (Bacon) Johnson

April 3, 1942 ~ December 15, 2021

Elaine (Bacon) Johnson, 79, of Sturgeon Bay, died peacefully at Anna’s Healthcare surrounded by her children, Wednesday afternoon, December 15, 2021.

She was born on April 3, 1942 in Three Lakes, WI, to William “Bill” Hartley Bacon and Florice Agnes (Price) Bacon. Soon after, the family moved to Sturgeon Bay where her father found work in the local shipyard. Elaine grew up in Sturgeon Bay leaving her with many fond memories of the people and community she grew up around. She attended Sturgeon Bay Schools, graduating in 1960. Blessed with beauty and charm, Elaine competed in Miss Door County. After graduation, she moved to Milwaukee where she begin her working career at Northwestern Mutual Insurance. Elaine married Gary A. Johnson on June 1, 1963 in Milwaukee where their first three children were born. They moved to Tomahawk in 1970 and two years later welcomed their fourth child. In 1972, Elaine moved her four children to Sturgeon Bay to raise them closer to her childhood home and family. She found work at Peterson Builders working on the minesweepers. Never shy of hard work, Elaine did whatever was required to support her four young children. Later, she switched careers and became a professional baker. Elaine went to work for Main Street Market in Egg Harbor and other local bakeries where her baking skills were enjoyed by many. She finished her working career at Hatco Corporation before retiring in 2006.

Elaine was an extremely creative person and explored many hobbies that often created a demand for her talents. A self-taught artist and seamstress, she made her own wedding dress, clothes, costumes, pajamas, and hunting wear for her children and grandchildren, and many wedding dresses for friends, family, and co-workers. When her gift of baking was desired, Elaine created many beautiful wedding cakes, birthday cakes, and “goodies” for everyone to enjoy and which will be fondly remembered. Elaine loved to make breakfast and really did make the best pancakes…ever! Her love of art in all forms also led her into oil and water painting; a talent that left everyone not knowing her true potential.

Elaine’s biggest joys were by far her children and grandchildren which included helping raise two sets of twins whom she adored. She was a constant presence in the lives of her children and grandchildren who affectionately called her “Gram-cracker”. Elaine also enjoyed shopping at various local garage sales and secondhand stores.

Elaine will be missed by her children, Chris (Joan Schwahert) Johnson of Francis Creek, Kirsten (Michael) Reeths of Sturgeon Bay, Michelle (Ryan Gustafson) Johnson-Smith of Little Sturgeon, and Collin (Matt Polsin) Johnson of Milwaukee; grandchildren, Sean, Alex and Tory Johnson, Callan and Cheyanne McFarlin, Austin and Alex Reeths, Kyle (Vasilena) Johnson, and Noah and Caitlyn Smith; and great-grandchildren, Grace and Hannah Maccoux-Johnson, and Tristan Johnson.    

She is further survived by brothers and sister, Doug Bacon, Norman (Lila) Bacon, Lee (Inga) Bacon, and Janet Robinson; siblings-in-law, Pat Bacon and Wayne (Wanda) Jahn; many nieces and nephews; and extended family.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; sister and brothers, Phyllis Moe, Jack Bacon, and Richard Bacon; and brother-in-law, Leland Moe.

She was also blessed with special friendships with Sue Lokken, Janet Estes, Mary Anderson, and Jan Jorns.

The family would like to express a heartful thank you to all of Anna’s Angels, for your incredible care and compassion during these last ten months. Special thanks also to the staffs of Unity Hospice, Door County Cancer Center, and Green Bay Oncology at St. Vincent Hospital.

Elaine’s life will be honored with a memorial service held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 15, 2022 with her brother-in-law, Pastor Wayne Jahn, officiating.

She will be laid to rest in the columbarium at Bayside Cemetery in the Town of Sevastopol.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

Memorials may be given in her name for Door CANcer, Inc. or Unity (Hospice and Palliative Care).

Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Elaine may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.