Leone "Lee" Kay (Olson) Johnson

Leone Kay (Olson) Johnson Age 74 of Roseville. Born June 10, 1951 Roseau, Minnesota. Passed away May 19, 2025

Survived by:  Husband of 50 years Walter M. Johnson, Sister: Teddi Krueger (Ed), Brothers- in-law: Carl A. (Sybel) Johnson and Loren W. (Renee) Johnson.

Nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.

Preceded in death by parents: Margedo B. Olson and S. Thea (Lund)Olson.

Lee graduated 1969 from North High, North St. Paul. She graduated 1973 from Bemidji State University, Bemidji.

Attended Mankato State for graduate school. Lee and Walt were married in 1974 at St. Marks, N. St. Paul.  Lee made the wedding cake.

Lee's career in teaching lasted 35 years in N. St. Paul, Babbit, Marshall, and  Moundsview districts.  At Mounds View She taught in Ralph Reeder, Sunnyside, Island Lake and Pinewood schools.  She substitute taught in her own grade school in North St. Paul.  She was an elementary music teacher for her first full year.  She was middle school library director. She was elementary library and media center director.  She moved to 5th grade and taught in the classroom for many years.  When layoffs hit she did private tutoring and part time remedial instruction.  She was serious about instruction and results.  She had parents request her for their students.  Her former students would see her and often stop her to reminisce about their days in school. She was invited to receptions, graduations and weddings.  She had many good stories of families, students and school activities.  She was a dedicated educator and missed the children when she retired. 

Lee loved animals.  Como Zoo, Minnesota Zoo, vet schools and clinics with hawks, owls or any raptors. Any private collection of critters caught her attention.  There weren't enough animal stories on the news or in papers.  Birds around  the house were a necessity.

 Parakeets, cockatiels, and macaws were special residents.  Otis, Illigers macaw, was as special and as close as a pet dog or cat.  Persons who had met the bird would ask "How is Otis" or call on the phone and ask for Otis. Junk mail was often addressed to Otis Johnson.  He lived for 33 years.  Lee fed critters outdoors too.  Crows, ducks, geese, turkeys, deer, squirrels, fox all came by for fresh water and crackers. 

Lee showed how grateful she was.  She would send notes and cards to everyone.  She wanted her students to know how to extend thanks for help, attention, care and everyday things.  If you got a note from Lee  you cherished it.

Thanks to the Doctors, nurses and all staff at Regions Hospital.  Stroke care on S-10 is especially appreciated.

A celebration of Lee's life will be held on Tuesday September 16 2Pm with visitation at 1Pm all at Roselawn Cemetery Chapel.

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