Cheri Lee Johnson, age 67 of Prescott, died October 7th at United Hospital in St. Paul. Cheri was born on August 11, 1954 in Spooner, Wisconsin. She was raised the daughter of Joyce Simpson in Spooner before she married Adolph (Bud) Hanken where the family made Prescott their home. Cheri graduated from Prescott High School in the class of 72’ and would further her education in business at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. While she was in college, she met and married Bill Buckley. They had one child, Chad. On December 17, 1977, she was united in marriage to her best friend Michael Johnson. This union would be further blessed with sons Brian and Nick. Cheri was definitely a hands on mom who went to all the games and school events as she was their biggest fan. Cheri worked as an administrative assistant her entire working career. She began her career for Jacques Seeds in Prescott before becoming the administrative assistant to the Chief for the Prescott Police Department.
Cheri’s passion was her grandchildren by a million miles. She loved to spoil them with ice cream or goodies at the cabin on Big Bass Lake near Minong. She would get right down on the ground and play with them, read them bible stories, and jump on the lake’s splash pad. She also loved to tote around near the lake on the golf cart to enjoy the nature, sightsee for birds, look for the fox, and visit with neighbors. She always looked forward to her travels to see family. It was a standing joke that she’d go without Mike as he liked to stay close to home. She enjoyed a night of Euchre and her big heart was always open to help others in need. In fact, her faith served as the foundation of her life. Whether monthly bible studies, teaching CCD, or serving as a lector, she took the greatest pride in her faith.
Cheri will have her life celebrated by her husband and love of her life Mike; sons Brian (Krystal) Johnson, Nick (Beth) Johnson; grandchildren Jarik, Onika, Beckett, Hazel, Charlotte, Brandon (Sammi), Bryce; siblings Rick (Candy) Hanken, Roxanne (Steve) Van Horn, Dan (Barb) Hanken, sisters/brothers-in-law Suzie (Rich) Matzek, Julie (Tom) Stark, Joe (Brenda) Johnson, sister-in-heart Cynthia Marek; as well as other relatives including: Tiffany (Morgan), Amanda, Gary, Kurt (Cyndi), Luke (Lindsey), Cassie, Doug, Dalton, Bart (Tricia), Brad (Katie), Mike (Mandy), Chad, Levi, Jacob, and numerous great nieces and nephews. Cheri was proceeded in death by her parents; in-laws Eugene and Verna Mae Johnson.
Visitation for family and friends on Tuesday October 12th from 4pm to 7pm at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial for Cheri Johnson will be 11am, Wednesday, October 13th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Prescott for family and close friends. In Cheri’s honor, the family is encouraging everyone to follow covid guidelines. Burial immediately following mass at the parish cemetery. Memorials preferred to the discretion of the family. Funeral services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Prescott.
