Gene Ann Johnson

Gene Ann Johnson, 95, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 23, 2021, at The Woodlands in the Meth-Wick Community in Cedar Rapids. Gene Ann was born on February 24, 1926, in Red Wing, Minnesota, the daughter of Victor and Beda Prink. After her mother's sudden death when Gene Ann was 10, she was determined to turn the tragedy into an opportunity. She graduated from Cannon Falls High School at the age of 16 and immediately went to work to save money for her college education. Over the course of the next 13 years, she attended Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Cloud State Teachers College and the University of Minnesota, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education in 1955. She later earned a Master's Degree in Library Administration at the University of Minnesota in 1957. Gene Ann went on to become a teacher and librarian in the Robbinsdale, Minnesota, School District, as well as a passionate advocate for public education. She was constantly curious about the world around her. She loved to read, learn, and travel. Later in her life, after moving to Cedar Rapids, she eagerly embraced the arts and culture community, attending dozens of concerts, plays and shows. She had a particular love for opera theatre. She also had an intense love for her large family, of whom she was the matriarch. She was simply the best. Survivors include her daughter, Amy Johnson (Tim Boyle) of Cedar Rapids, and nine nieces and nephews in five states. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Phillip; brothers Vernon, Marvin, Willard and William Prink; and nephew Harlan Prink. Gene Ann chose to donate her body to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program, in honor of two family members who studied medicine there. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 27, 2021, in her hometown of Cannon Falls, Minnesota. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, those who knew and loved Gene Ann make donations in her memory to the charity of their choice. She was always interested in helping those less fortunate. Special thanks go to the caring and loving staff at The Woodlands, who took such good care of Gene Ann during her last months of life. Also, special thanks to Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services in Cedar Rapids for their compassion.