Kristine Johnson

Kristine Johnson, 73, of Long Lake, IL, passed away on Friday, July 7, 2023. Kristine was born in Chicago on January 17, 1950, the daughter of the late Clarence and Margaret Sundberg. She graduated from Luther South High School in 1967 and then enrolled at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. It was there, in October of that year, where Kristine met her future husband, Christopher, at the freshman dance and shared their first kiss at the little red schoolhouse. After graduating UW Whitewater in 1971, Kristine and Christopher were married on June 10, 1972, and moved to southern Illinois where Kristine began her teaching and coaching career in Coulterville and DeSoto, IL. Later, in 1981, the growing family moved to Glen Ellyn, IL. Kristine took an eight-year maternity leave to raise her three children, Linnae, Lauren, and Brent, and become their ultimate advocate, sports fan, Girl Scout leader, and travel partner. In 1989, the family moved once more to Long Lake, IL where they built their forever home. Kristine returned to teaching at Woodland Middle School in Gurnee and eventually settled in for many years in the Grayslake school system, teaching at Avon and Grayslake Middle School. Kristine earned her master’s degree from National Louis University in 1994 and was nominated for the Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Leadership in 1997 and 2000 and Disney’s American Teacher Awards in 2001. She was also a two-term member of the Gavin School Board of Education, serving one term as president. Kristine completed her 35-year teaching career and retired in 2010. Her love for her students extended far beyond the classroom; Kristine could often be found at her students’ extracurricular activities, homes, and even as a visitor in their hospital rooms. After retiring, Kristine started her second career in childcare for her grandchildren, formally securing the name of Nonnie. She also enjoyed traveling and camping with her family and snowbirding to Naples, FL. Kristine was a lifelong member, past Commodore, and former Head Judge of the Long Lake Yacht Club. She was a nature and animal lover (fur, feathers, and fins), and helped increase the wood duck population on Long Lake. She was an avid gardener, photographer, and rock painter. Kristine often dreamt of travel, but only visited a few places on her bucket list: Iceland, Alaska, Japan, and Mexico. Kristine is survived by her husband of 51 years, Christopher; children Linnae (Michael) Schraner, Lauren (Jeremy) DeRuyter, and Brent (Amanda) Johnson; grandchildren Cadence Harting, Harper Harting, Greyson Johnson, and Bryce Johnson; sister Jerilyn (Randall) Bus; sister-in-law Marilyn Sundberg; sister-in-law Patricia (Richard) Threlkeld; and seven nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Margaret Sundberg, brother Sander (Marilyn, surviving) Sundberg, and by her parents-in-law Steen and Marie Johnson. A memorial service for Kristine will begin at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Ringa Funeral Home in Lake Villa. The service will be livestreamed at https://evt.live/kristine-johnson. Visitation will be from 12 noon until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Kristine's memory to the ALS Association: www.als.org/donate

Kristine Johnson

January 17, 1950 - July 7, 2023

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