Laurie L. Johnson

Laurie L. Lutomski Johnson, De Pere, died on February 4, 2023 at age 72. She was born in Milwaukee, WI on April 12, 1950 to Dorothy O. Beno Lutomski and Henry M. Lutomski, and grew up in Milwaukee and Green Bay. She graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in Green Bay in 1968, then attended St. Norbert College, studying theology. She graduated from Avila College, Kansas City, MO. in 1972 with a Bachelor's Degree in Religious Studies. She married in 1972 and had two children, Eric Johnson and Rachel Johnson. She worked as a Director of Religious Education at two Catholic parishes in Raytown, MO and Kaukauna, WI during the 70s.
Laurie then obtained a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from UW Whitewater in 1981. She attended the Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology in Milwaukee to obtain Doctoral credits in Psychology.
Laurie worked as a vocational counselor for a time, then as a Psychotherapist at various mental health agencies. She was a Vocational Consultant for the Social Security Administration, evaluating disability applications. Most recently, she was employed by Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Ashwaubenon in various capacities. She worked as the Parish Counselor doing individual, family, and group counseling. She was licensed in Wisconsin as a Professional Counselor (LPC), was a certified Divorce Mediator, and specialized in treating survivors of trauma and abuse. She was trained to be a VIRTUS facilitator, conducting sessions to prevent sexual abuse and to create a safe environment in parishes. At Nativity Parish, she was also the director of Family Ministries and a Pastoral Associate. She retired in 2016 after 27 years at Nativity Parish.
Laurie had a life-long interest in peace and social justice activities and mental health issues. She had a collection of over 500 turtle figurines, which began in the 1950s. She enjoyed art, rubber stamping, scrapbooking, reading, classical music, having lunch and games with dear friends, and following politics. She had a strong liberal view of the world.
Laurie is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Sara Johnson; a daughter, Rachel Johnson, Green Bay; 4 grandchildren, Sydney Johnson, Austin, Texas; Ryan (Hannah Secker) Johnson, Tennessee; Jace Vetsch and Jasper Vetsch, Green Bay. One of Laurie's greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren, and was very proud of each of them. She is also survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Steve Carlin, Milwaukee; a nephew, Nathan Gauger, and niece Mackenzie Carlin, both from Milwaukee; three great nieces, Jasmine, Adriana, and Ariana Gauger.
Laurie was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and several cousins, aunts, and uncles.
A gathering of friends and family will take place at Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Ashwaubenon (2270 S Oneida St) on Friday, February 10, 2023 from 9 am - 11 am. A Celebration of Gratitude for Life Memorial Mass will follow with Fr. Jim Hablewitz and Fr. Willie Vandeloo presiding.
In lieu of flowers, family is asking donations be made to Unity Hospice.
A special thanks to her grandchildren for filling her last weeks with joy and laughter, and to her care teams from Unity Hospice and Green Bay Oncology.