Vera L. (Gerstkemper) Johnson

Vera L. (Gerstkemper) Johnson, 99, of Centralia, passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born December 21, 1920 in Hoyleton, daughter of Paul and Helen (Redeker) Gerstkemper. She married Ralph Johnson on August 11, 1940 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoyleton and he preceded her in death in March of 1992. She is survived by four daughters: Joyce Engelmann and husband Bill of Centralia, Karen Schrader and husband Darwin of Lebanon, Cheryl Altadonna and husband Frank of Centralia, and Kathy Harvey and husband Gary of Mt. Vernon; a sister Doris Weihe of Hoffman; nine grandchildren: Lisa Howell of Centralia, Kevin Engelmann and wife Barb of Arvada, CO, Kim Ali and husband Tahir of Fremont, CA., Cary Altadonna and wife Julia of Walnut Hill, Kelly Schwartz and husband Jeff of Walnut Hill, Kristi Stackle and husband Charles of Wildwood, MO, Staci Venatta and husband James of Fenton, MO, Holly Shirley and husband John of Mt. Vernon; one god-grandson: Brice Wangler and wife Michele of Centralia. Vera has twenty-one great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death was her parents: Paul and Helen Gerstkemper; husband: Ralph Johnson; two brothers: Harlan and Willard Gerstkemper and great-grandson, Clayton Stackle. Vera was very active in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia. She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Friendship Guild and LWML. She also served as a volunteer Pink Lady at St. Mary’s Hospital for many years. Vera enjoyed collecting salt and pepper shakers, gardening, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Due to recent the health concerns, a private family service will be held on Friday, April 10, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with live streaming available for her friends and family, which can be accessed on Vera's online obituary on www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. In honor of Vera, memorial donations may be made to the Trinity Lutheran School in Centralia and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, IL 62801 (618) 532-3523 who is honored to be of service to the Johnson family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com.

Vera L. (Gerstkemper) Johnson

December 21, 1920 - April 7, 2020