Audrey Jean Johnson

Audrey Jean Johnson

Audrey Johnson, 85, of Winona, MN, went to be with her heavenly father on Aug 23, 2025, at Valley View Health Care and Rehab in Houston, MN, due to complications from a stroke.

She was born on June 14, 1940, to John ‘Jack’ and Lilla (Volkman) Ford in Winona, MN. She married James Konkel in 1958, and they had four sons. They divorced in 1976 but remained friends and Jim often took Audrey out for a drive on Sunday afternoons. Audrey loved to knit and listen to country music. She always had a Diet Pepsi on ice by her side. Audrey was active with the Winona Fraternal Order of Eagles and she was a member of the Goodview Trinity Lutheran Church. Audrey worked in the electronics industry at both Lake Center and Watlow, but her favorite job was being a ‘lunch lady’ at Madison Grade School in Winona. She truly enjoyed interacting with the kids as they made their way through the lunch line.

Audrey is survived by her three younger sons: Gregory (Nancy) Konkel, Plymouth, MN; Brian Konkel, Rochester, MN; and Daniel (Patrice) Konkel, Winona, MN. She is also survived by her five grandchildren: Erin (Kris) Konkel, Mitchell Konkel, Marita (Michael) Thrune, Justin Konkel, and Jacob (Momona) Konkel; and siblings, Karen Pilger, John (Lori) Ford, and Jerry Ford.

Audrey is preceded in death by her parents Jack and Lilla Ford, her oldest son Kevin (Leanne Konkel Briggs) Konkel, and her daughter-in-law Linda (Brian) Konkel.

Audrey’s Celebration of Life will be Thursday, Aug 28, 2025, at Hoff Celebration of Life Center, 3480 Service Drive, Winona, MN. The visitation will be held from 11am to 1pm with the service starting at 1pm. A light luncheon will be served immediately following the service.

Audrey’s interment will be held Wednesday, Sept 10, 2025, at 11am at Witoka Cemetery, Wilson Township, Winona County, MN. Pastor Garret from Goodview Trinity Lutheran Church will officiate at both the service and the interment.

Hoff Celebration of Life Center is serving the family.