Leah Kay Johnson

Leah Kay Johnson was born on April 27, 1952, in Burbank, California, to Robert and Phyllis (Romsdahl) Johnson. She grew up in Slayton and later Trimont, Minnesota, and graduated from Trimont High School in 1970.

Leah married her high school sweetheart, Bryan Johnson, on April 28, 1973, at Waverly Lutheran Church in rural Trimont, Minnesota. Together, they built a life centered in Christ, family, love, and adventure. Leah was a devoted mother, and she and Bryan raised four wonderful children: Eric, Britta (Patrick Blake), Jennifer, and Carrie (Uriah Miller). Early in their marriage, Bryan’s military service took them to Colorado, Hawaii, Texas, Oregon, and Illinois. In 1989, they returned to Minnesota and settled in Rochester. In retirement, Leah and Bryan moved to De Soto, Wisconsin, where they enjoyed views of the Mississippi River and countless hours making memories with family.

Leah was known for her intelligence, tenacity, quick wit, and strong opinions. Despite her tough exterior, she was soft-hearted and deeply cared for her family and friends. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary and often sent handwritten letters and cards to mark special occasions or simply to let others know she was thinking of them. Leah was an avid reader, an excellent cook, and loved word games such as Scrabble. She was a gifted storyteller with a remarkably sharp memory.

Leah dedicated her professional life to caring for others. She began her career as a registered nurse and later earned a graduate degree to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. She practiced at Rochester Family Medicine Clinic, where she was respected for her knowledge, compassion, and commitment to her patients.

Family and faith were at the heart of Leah’s life. She and Bryan embraced every season with intention, traveling often with their children and grandchildren. Some of her favorite moments were spent camping and exploring the country together in their camper. They also enjoyed winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama, where Leah loved recumbent biking at Gulf State Park, exploring local restaurants, and attending church. Her faith sustained her through both joy and hardship, and she leaned on God throughout her illness, sharing her faith through both words and actions.

Leah passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, at Agrace Hospice in Madison, Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Phyllis Johnson; her parents-in-law, Germaine and Lowell Johnson; and her sister, Leslie. She is survived by her loving husband, Bryan Johnson; her children, Eric, Britta (Patrick Blake), Jennifer, and Carrie (Uriah Miller); her grandchildren, Kailee (Ben Montean), Sam, Adam, Asher, Alex, Tenzing, Bryce, Bree, Grant, Junah, and Senna; her great-grandchildren, Beau and Colt; her sisters, LuAnn (Tom) Peterson and Lisa (Frank) Labby; her brothers-in-law, Jeff (Tonia) Johnson and Alan Johnson; and her sisters-in-law, Julie (Mark) Ufer and Jill (Rod) Sorensen.

Leah will be remembered for her strength, faith, devotion to family, sharp mind, and unwavering care for others. Her family is deeply grateful to her caregiver and friend, Sarah Debish, as well as the many family members and friends who supported and cared for her in recent years.

Memorial donations may be made in Leah’s honor to Cure PSP at www.psp.org or to Agrace Hospice Care at www.agrace.org/donate/.

Leah’s funeral service will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at North West Prairie Lutheran Church (E4794 State Hwy 82, Viroqua, Wisconsin) with Pastor Tim Dunham officiating.  A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service, a luncheon to follow. 

Roth Family Cremation Center and Funeral Services is serving the family. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.