It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Carol Ann Johnson (Newman), June 28, 2026 at the age of 92. She was surrounded by loved ones at her daughter's home on Lake Mille Lacs.

Carol was born November 9, 1933 to Francis Mabel Newman and Celius Newman in Sioux City, Iowa. An only child, she was raised in a three generation household, spending much of her childhood with not only her parents, but also her maternal grandparents whom she idolized.

Carol attended Sioux City East High school. There she excelled in academics, volleyball, cheerleading and softball. Upon high school graduation, she enrolled at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. She was a proud Hawkeye and a member of the Delta Delta Delta (Tridelta) sorority. It was there, at the University, she met the absolute love of her life, as she often said, "a wonderfully handsome and kind basketball player", Roy Stewart Johnson Jr. They met in October during homecoming. They were pinned in December, engaged on Valentine's Day and married that August (1955). They were in love and married for 63 years until Roy's passing in 2019.

Carol received her teaching degree with a major in Social Studies and English from the University of Iowa. She and Roy moved to Vinton, Iowa in 1957 where they both taught high school. Carol gave birth to two daughters, Lori Ann (1957) and Lisa Stewart (1960). Then in 1966, they relocated to Rochester, Minnesota, when Roy accepted an administrative assignment at John Marshall High School.

Carol taught secondary English and Social studies at several different schools within the Rochester Public School system. Eventually, landing at John Marshall High School as a teacher and cheerleading coach. She retired, along with Roy, in 1995.

Carol was an avid reader, seamstress, bridge player and pianist. She had been an active member of AAUW and a brownie and girl scout troop leader. She was a huge sports enthusiast. She loved attending her children's and grandchildren's sporting events from grade school through college. As a true sports fan, she embraced not only the Iowa Hawkeye teams but also the Minnesota Vikings, Wild, Timberwolves and Twins. Carol loved her trips to the North Shore and Split Rock Lighthouse, camping trips with the family and most importantly, her time at the lake home on Lake Mille Lacs. She especially cherished her hummingbirds, Baltimore Orioles and most importantly, her 200 pound dog, named Hawkeye.

Carol is survived by her two aforementioned daughters, her son-in-law, Bob Wiesner (Lisa) and her grandchildren and great- grand children. She's preceded in death, by her parents and her husband.

The family wishes to give special thanks to Moments Hospice in Brainerd, MN for their compassion and generous resources and to Nicki Thompson and Aron Glass for their tireless help and outstanding nursing care.

There will be a private family service and interment at a later date. If you wish, donations in Carol's name can be made to:

Heartland Area Animal Rescue Team (HART)

15494 Dellwood Drive

Brainerd, MN 56401

Wild and Free Animal Rehab Center

27264 MN-18

Garrison,MN 56450

South Aitkin County First Responders

PO Box 262

Aitkin MN 56431-0262