Barbara Duer Johnson, 85, passed away on Nov. 20, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on Oct. 9, 1940, in New Richmond, to Harriet and Howard Nelson. She is preceded in death by her parents and by her siblings, Nancy and Tommy, both of whom passed away in childhood from leukemia.
Barbara and her family moved frequently during her early years due to her father’s work as a recruiter for the U.S. Navy. She graduated from New Richmond High School in 1958.
Art was one of Barbara’s lifelong passions. As a high school student, she attended a weeklong summer art camp at Kansas University, an experience that deepened her love for creative expression. She went on to major in Art and English at Wisconsin State University–River Falls. Among the most memorable moments of her college years were the opportunities to see—and sketch—both Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy.
During her college years, Barbara met the love of her life, Edward Johnson. The two married and shared nearly 64 years together. Their careers took them to three Wisconsin communities—Neenah, Oconomowoc, and Burlington.
Barbara and Edward enjoyed entertaining friends and family, sharing their warmth, hospitality, and love of socializing with those around them. Their home was often filled with laughter, conversation, and community, reflecting the joy they found in connecting with others.
During these years, Barbara also earned her master’s degree in counseling, a vocation she pursued with great compassion in both school settings and private organizations. She dedicated herself to service organizations, including American Red Cross, League of Women Voters, Love, Inc. and Transitional Living Center (TLC). Barbara was also an active lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. Her deep commitment to helping others was a defining aspect of her life.
In every community where she lived, Barbara was deeply engaged in the local art scene. She helped establish art groups, painted prolifically, and generously shared her talents. She taught art classes in Mexico, sharing her joy of painting with students from another culture and community. She also illustrated for several companies including Western Publishing and Dungeons & Dragons. One of the great joys of her artistic life was traveling to Giverny, France, where she had the unforgettable opportunity to paint in Monet’s garden, surrounded by the landscapes that inspired one of her favorite artists.
After retiring, Barbara and Edward traveled to 35 countries. They cherished the belief that people around the world are far more alike than different.
In her later years, Barbara lived with Alzheimer’s disease. Her family is grateful for the compassionate care provided by the staff at Pine Brooke Pointe and Heartland Hospice whose dedication and kindness brought comfort to Barbara and her loved ones.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Edward; her children Jennica (James) Johnson, Gregory (Heather) Johnson, and Sarah (Jeff) Schopp; her seven grandchildren, James Michael (Sonia) Williams, Alex Williams, Zoe Johnson, Maya Johnson, Elisabeth (Riley) Butler, Katherine Schopp, and Charles Schopp; and her great-granddaughter, Nova Williams. She will also be remembered by many loving relatives and friends, including their exchange student from Finland, Pasi Reinikainen. She took great pride in the educational accomplishments of her family, especially that all of her children and six of her grandchildren have earned their bachelor’s degrees—and the seventh will soon.
Visitation will be Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025 from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., with a service to follow at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home, 625 Browns Lake Drive, Burlington. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate Barbara’s life.
Memorials may be directed to Transitional Living Center in Burlington, Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter, or to a charity of your choice.
For online condolences, please visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.