Kathryn (Katie) Elizabeth Johnson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Kathryn (Katie) Elizabeth Johnson, who left us on November 24, 2024, at the age of 37, following a brief illness. Katie grew up in Oakdale, MN and graduated from North St. Paul High School. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Michigan Technological University.

Katie’s professional life reflected her passion for helping others. As a Senior Improvement Consultant with M Health Fairview, Katie made significant contributions, including her proudest achievement: working to open the Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing Unit (EmPATH) at Southdale Hospital.

Katie found happiness in life’s simple pleasures—showing cattle with her grandparents when she was young, loving her dogs, enjoying time at the lake and baking treats to share. She had a way of making people feel special. Her sense of humor and warmth brought laughter and kindness everywhere she went.

Katie’s life was defined by determination and a fearless independence. Whether she was exploring the world or fixing up her house, Katie lived with curiosity and an adventurous spirit. 

Katie had a sense of joy and abundant generosity towards the people she loved. Everyone has their story of how Katie impacted their life for the better and made their day a little brighter. Her wit, kindness and compassion will be remembered by all who knew her. Katie is survived by her parents, Jim and Lori Johnson and her sister, Abby Johnson, along with her beloved nieces, Cecilia and Brooklyn. She will also be deeply missed by her grandparents, Harris and Donna Viker; her aunts and uncles, Lee and Todd Johnson, Mary Dee Hicks, Julie LaValle and Mark Viker; and her many cousins: Mary Green, David and Paul Johnson, Emily and Johnnie Hicks, Matt, Nate and Noah Johnson, Isaac Nelson, Hannah and Leah LaValle, Maren, Lena and Ean Viker. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Arthur and Doreen Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Katie’s memory by supporting causes close to her heart: 

• Women’s Foundation of Minnesota: Supporting women and girls across Minnesota. Donate here. 

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Advocating for mental health awareness and support. Donate here.

• Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP): Katie’s local food shelf. Donate here.

A Celebration of Life for Katie will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Bradshaw Funeral Home in Stillwater, MN. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather starting at 2:00 PM to greet her family. At 4:00 PM, we will share memories during an informal story-time.

Katie’s family also invites you to share your memories by emailing them to RememberingKatieJ@gmail.com.