Patricia “Patty” Johnson

Patricia “Patty” Johnson entered peacefully into heaven on Feb. 27, 2025, surrounded by loving family members, after a long and full life devoted to her children and their families and enriched by friends, music and travel across the United States and Europe.

Patty was born Feb. 3, 1931, in Tucson, Arizona, to Russell Lester Bidgood and Bessie Ann Bidgood. After growing up in Tucson, she graduated with a degree in music education from the University of Arizona. She was an active violinist and teacher much of her life. It was at the university that Patty met her sweetheart, Reinhardt “Rye” Johnson. The two married in 1955 and began their life together in Tucson. They later moved to Phoenix, Ariz., New Mexico, New York and, eventually, San Jose, Calif. Patty relocated to Hudson, Wis., in 2005 to be closer to her two children and her grandchildren.

During her two decades in Hudson, Patty was an active bell ringer at Hudson United Methodist Church, enjoyed her book club and made many friends in the Red Cedar Canyon neighborhood and as well as the affectionately named “Culvers Group.” She was the cornerstone of her family and supported her loved ones by attending many musical concerts, football games and numerous celebrations. She never missed a birthday and was known as a kind and thoughtful person who cherished her many friends from the West Coast to the Midwest.

Patty was preceded in death by her husband Reinhardt L. Johnson She is survived by daughter Kim Craig (Daniel), son Eric Johnson (Alison), grandchildren Nate Craig (Molly), Anna Craig, Max Johnson, William Johnson (Ayaka) and Matthew Johnson (Miranda), and great-grandchildren Emi, Theo and Jojo Craig; Noah and Mary Johnson, and Oliver Johnson.

A memorial service will take place Thursday, March 6 at 4 p.m., at Hudson United Methodist Church, 1401 Laurel Ave, Hudson, Wis. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

Funeral services entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson.