Margaret Jean Johnson

Sarasota, FL (formerly of Racine) – Margaret Jean Johnson, 81, was reunited with her husband, Daniel, and her best friend and brother, Grant Stueber, on August 17, 2012.

Margaret was born to Elsie and Carl Stueber (nee:Swantes) on October 22, 1930 in Racine, WI. She was married to Daniel Johnson on September 13, 1952. Daniel was always by her side, a loving and constant companion and caregiver, until he preceded her in death on September 14^th, 2008. A year later she moved to Sarasota, Florida to be cared for by family, but her true home would always be Racine.

Margaret’s commitment to Racine began as early as 1965, as she gave support to her husband as he became alderman of the 11^th district.  Twelve years later, from 1981-1988, she took over that aldermanic seat. During that time she worked on the Finance Committee, Festival Board, served on the Water and Wastewater commission, Cemetery commission, and served a one year term as President of the City Council.

Margaret was a survivor! In 1984 she suffered a stroke, and three years later was involved in a severe car accident, which left her in constant pain. But that didn’t stop her from gaining a reputation as a hard working, sometimes stubborn and outspoken city official who accomplished results. The greatest of these was not as alderwoman, but as the chairwoman of the Sesquicentennial Committee in 1982. With Margaret’s idea to create a festival building, and with her at the helm, she helped to organize and raise over $250,000 of public donations to create Racine’s Festival Park. This legacy is a true testament to a woman of conviction, dedication and courage.

Margaret, will be remembered and missed by her family and friends. Surviving are her daughter, Susan (Michael) Parker; son, Daniel C. Johnson; grandchildren, Jennifer (Robert) Brader, Luke and Benjamin Adams; great-grandchild, Cullen Brader; and close family and friends, niece, Cecila (Ray) Johnson; sister-in-law, Jean Ketarkus; nephews, Paul and Gerald Stueber, and Tom Adams. In addition to her husband, brothers and parents, she was preceded in death by friends and family, brother and sister in-law, Robert and Mary Ellen Johnson; brother, Curt Stueber and Jodi Johnson.

A memorial service celebrating Margaret’s life will be held at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 10:30 am with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 – 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials to American Lung Association, State of Tobacco Control, have been suggested by the family.

The family would like to extend a heart-felt thanks to the wonderful staff and CNA’s at Sarasota Memorial Nursing and Rehab Home and Tidewell Hospice for their compassionate care.