Gretchen Johns-Derbyshire

Gretchen Ann Johns-Derbyshire, 59, of Winona, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Winona on May 20, 1966, Gretchen was the beloved daughter of Arthur and Judith (Czaplewski) Johns. She graduated from Winona Senior High School and went on to earn both her Bachelor’s degree from Winona State University and her Master’s degree from Saint Mary’s University.

Gretchen dedicated her life to helping children succeed. She spent most of her career teaching at Jefferson and Goodview Elementary Schools, where she worked closely with students who needed extra support in reading and math. Her patience, steadiness, and deep compassion touched the lives of countless children, each of whom she cared for as if they were her own.

Before beginning her teaching career, Gretchen worked at Fiberite, where she met her soulmate, Eric Derbyshire. They married soon after and built a life together filled with nearly 40 years of love, laughter, and devotion. Together, they raised two sons, Lucas and Max, who were—and always will be—the center of her world.

Gretchen had a lifelong love for animals. Over the years, she cared for many beloved pets and found joy in tending to the wildlife around her home. Whether it was dogs, birds, squirrels, or deer, she treated every creature with gentle kindness and affection.

She is survived by her husband, Eric; her sons, Lucas and Max; her parents, Arthur and Judith Johns; her sister, Jodi (Cris) Johns-Zimmerman; her brother, Arthur (Tami) Johns; her dog, Leo; and many extended family members and dear friends.

A Celebration of Gretchen’s Life will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Hoff Celebration of Life Center – Goodview. She will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery in a private family service.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. Gil Harmon, MD, and to the other doctors, nurses, and staff at Gundersen Health System for the compassionate and attentive care they provided to Gretchen.

Hoff Celebration of Life Center is assisting the family with arrangements. www.hofffuneral.com