Holli Johnson

Holli Bredeson Johnson, age 59, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on the morning of October 30th after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. She passed peacefully at home surrounded by family. She fought her cancer battle with courage, dignity and grace knowing she was armored by her faith in Jesus. Through it all she never lost her hope, compassion, or her joy for friends, family and, of course, her furbabies.

She was born June 13, 1964, to Vernon and Jeanette Bredeson in Rochester, MN. Holli was the youngest of five siblings.

After earning her Masters in Social Work at UW Madison, Holli found her passion for helping others and spent over 32 years as a social worker for Mayo Clinic in Rochester. She was especially fond of her time in pediatric oncology where she helped countless children and their families through difficult times. She attended Rushford Lutheran Church where she was an active member of the Youth Education Committee and a former Sunday School teacher.

In 1998, Holli found love when she posted an online dating ad and Jay responded. They immediately hit it off and were married a little over 1 year later on September, 25th 1999. She loved adventure and travel and took Jay skydiving on their 5th date. They had a shared passion for scuba diving and from their honeymoon on, they traveled extensively in the Caribbean diving and enjoying the tropical beauty. They also enjoyed multiple trips to Europe, Hawaii, and many locations stateside for vacation or to visit family and friends.

On January 26, 2004, their daughter Elli Marie Johnson was born and Holli's greatest joy was being a mother and best friend to Elli. Her compassion and tender heart made her a very loving mother and great role model.

Holli also enjoyed gardening, biking, and visiting with friends. She especially enjoyed spending time at their river house and on the beach with friends during the summer.

Holli is survived by her husband Jay Johnson, daughter Elli Johnson, mother Jeanette Bredeson-Rysavy, brother Lynn (Debbie) Bredeson, sister Gwen (Bruce) Smith, Sister in law Kathie (Van) Bredeson, brother Lonnie (Linda Jo) Bredeson and her faithful snuggle buddy Augie (dog) as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Holli was preceded in death by her father Vernon Bredeson, brother Van Bredeson, and step-father Otto Rysavy.

We are grateful for the outstanding care and compassion she received from the Mayo Clinic team in Rochester and Mayo Hospice team in La Crosse. She always felt she had the best care team possible and their compassion and professionalism was incredible.

Memorial Service will be 3 p.m., Friday, November 3, 2023 at Rushford Lutheran Church with the Reverend Steve Chellew officiating. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m., Thursday at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service - Rushford and one hour prior to the service at church. The service will be livestreamed on the Rushford Lutheran Church YouTube channel. Memorials can be directed to Rushford Lutheran Youth Ministries in Holli's name, as an alternative to flowers.

Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service - Rushford is assisting the family with arrangements. www.hofffuneral.com