Helen Marjorie Watson Johns, Janesville, WI (1932-2015)
Print
February 25, 1932 - Aug. 18, 2015
Helen Marjorie Watson Johns, age 83, of Janesville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2015, at home. She was born on Feb. 25, 1932, in Whitewater, and was raised in Sheboygan. She attended Illinois State Normal University and there she met and married Clarence “Jim” Johns in 1954. She earned her degree in education in 1955. Helen furthered her education at UW-Madison, attaining her Masters and completing all coursework for her doctoral degree in Administration. Helen taught in the Janesville school system at Craig, Van Buren, and Wilson schools. She went on to serve as principal of Adams, Washington, Lincoln, and Jackson schools, before retiring in 1991. Since retiring from the School District of Janesville in 1991, Helen had served AWSA members through coordinating, the association’s Resource Center for over a decade. She received the AWSA Special Award, recognizing her wonderful contribution to the School District of Janesville and the AWSA. She continued her contribution to the Janesville community, serving on the boards of JEA, PCCU Credit Unions, HealthNet, Hospice Care, United Way, Parker Pen for 6 years, military boards, the AWSA board, and Cargill United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the McDowell Club, Ruth’s Circle, Four Lakes Principals Association, Red Hat Society, and Stroke Survivors group at Mercy Hospital, where she had volunteered as a receptionist. Helen was also a 35-year member of her bridge club and a member of the Edgerton Ombudsmen. After her retirement, she worked as a tour guide for Van Galder Tour and Travel and as a professional resource consult worker for the Association of Wisconsin Principals.
Helen is survived by her daughter, Julie (Craig) Walker of Janesville; son, James Johns of Janesville; granddaughter, Christine (Brian) Koslowski of Rothschild; grandson, Eric (Tricia) Walker of Campbellsport; great-grandchildren: Lauren and Jared Koslowski, and Lorelei, Auden and Corbin Walker; and a sister, Virginia Pfotenhauer of Middleton. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clarence “Jim” Johns in 1986; brother, David Watson; and sister, Ruby (Everett) Haft.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015, at CARGILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH with Rev. Susan Lockmann officiating. Private interment will be in Milton Lawns Memorial Park. A visitation will held on Saturday from 3 until 8 p.m. at SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY. Memorials may be made to Agrace Hospice Care, Inc. For on-line condolences and registry: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Helen’s personal attendant, Kyra Herndon. Her dedication made it possible for Helen to remain in her home with the loving support of her children and her family.
Print