Ardyth "Ardy" L. (Brunkow) Johnson

Ardy L. Johnson, 83, of Maple Grove, passed away peacefully surrounded by her six children and immediate family on August 12, 2022.

Ardyth Laine Brunkow was born on December 11, 1938 in Dubuque, Iowa to Edith (Kulander) and Arnold Brunkow. She grew up in St Paul on Grand Avenue and attended Central High School where she met her future husband, Bruce. They both attended the University of Minnesota where she received her teaching degree.  Ardy and Bruce were married on May 30, 1959 at St Paul’s Church on the Hill.  Ardy was active in her church community, taught elementary school, was a member of the school board and the ‘Fashion Happening’ chairman. They moved to Weaver Lake in Maple Grove in 1970 where they raised their 6 children.

Ardy was the ‘Queen Weaver’ of starting social groups.  Founder of many book clubs, dinner and booster clubs, she never failed to bring people together.  She operated her own catering business for several years with friends and served as a receptionist at Maple Grove Assembly of God church. She also managed the Superior Senior Services employment agency and volunteered at many church, Osseo High School and Weaver Lake community events. Bruce and Ardy ran the honey stand at the MN State Fair for 19 years. She was an avid tennis player and rivaled her grandchildren on the court. Her Thanksgiving dinners brought anyone celebrating alone to her home for large gatherings.  She had a group of high school friends who continued to get together regularly and a Bible Study that met for over 40 years.

She will be greatly missed by her children, Blake (Laura), Mike (Suzanne), Dan (Cheryl), Erik, Cynthia (Rick) Loosbrock, and Fred (Chenelle); companion, Stuart Sawdey; 17 grandchildren; 10 grandchildren-in-law, 20 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and friends near and far.

Preceded in death by her husband, Bruce; grandson, Brandon and granddaughter, Anna. She was also preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Donald, Vernon, Betty Forsyth and Donna Deprenger.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2022  at 12:00 PM at the Church of St Joseph the Worker, 7180 Hemlock Lane N, Maple Grove.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM -12 PM Saturday at the church.

Memorials are preferred to the Weaver Lake Conservation Association, P.O. Box 1529, Maple Grove, MN  55369 or by clicking here .