Anne "Peggy" T. Johnson

Anne T. Johnson passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 19, 2026, in Casper, Wyoming, at the age of 94. Anne was born on January 26, 1932, in Vienna, Austria, to Lorenz and Anna (Schaffer) Berthold. She spent her childhood in Vienna, coming of age during the turmoil of World War II and its aftermath—years she would later recount through many vivid and meaningful stories. She lost a brother, Lorenz at a young age and never had the opportunity to know him. Much of her childhood required resilience beyond her years. While her stepmother, Julie, was an important source of care and stability, Anne largely learned to rely on herself, developing an independence and determination that would define her throughout her life.

As a young teenager, Anne showed a natural talent for sewing and dressmaking. Through this passion, she formed a lifelong friendship with her dear friend, Adelheid "Adi" Vlaschitz, a bond that endured across decades and continents.

At 17 years old, Anne pursued her dream of coming to America, making the courageous journey alone to a country she knew only through hope and determination. She settled in Omaha, Nebraska, where she worked as an assistant editor for a German-language newspaper. That remarkable leap of faith reflected the same adventurous spirit and self-reliance that had carried her through childhood.

In 1953, she was set up on a blind date by a close friend—an evening that would change her life forever. There, she met Odell Johnson, the love of her life. They were married on March 5, 1955, in Papillion, Nebraska.

Together, Anne and Odell built a life centered on family, service, and adventure. As an Air Force family, they raised four children while traveling throughout the United States and Europe. Their journey took them to Kansas, Illinois, Texas, Germany, Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, Maine, Idaho, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, along with many cherished summers in Baltic, South Dakota. Along the way, Anne worked as a realtor in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where she made many lasting friendships. She later served as an Ombudsman for assisted living facilities in Lawton, Oklahoma, advocating for the care and dignity of others.

Anne found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. She loved camping and fishing with her family, knitting and sewing, cardinals, gardens, reading the local newspaper, science fiction, Star Trek, and NCIS. She had a special affection for her dogs throughout her life. She also held strong personal convictions and a deep faith in Jesus, which guided her throughout her life. Those who knew Anne will also remember her fiercely independent spirit. Whether moving across the country, embracing new opportunities, or insisting on doing things her own way even in her later years, she remained courageous, resilient, and true to herself. Above all, Anne cherished her family. Anne was deeply loved and will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Anne is survived by her four children: Sandra Johnson (Richard Hauber) of Weston, Wyoming; Gary (Traci) Johnson of Half Moon Bay, California; Terence (Stephanie) Johnson of Centreville, Virginia; and Jeffrey (Xinyi) Johnson of Las Cruces, New Mexico; her grandchildren: Jessica, Delos, Samantha, Julia, Celi, and Sirianne; and her great-grandchildren: Brecken, Bailey, Cassidy, and Elliana.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Odell M. Johnson; her parents, Lorenz and Anna Berthold; her brother; her stepsister, Miriam Parkes; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Anne made her home at LifeCare Assisted Living in Casper for the past 13 years. Her family extends their heartfelt gratitude and love to the dedicated staff and residents who became part of her extended family, providing friendship, compassionate care, and support throughout those years.

Memorial services will begin at 1:30 PM Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at East Nidaros Lutheran Church, rural Baltic. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to: American Cancer Society by clicking here, Texas A & M by clicking here, or a charity of your choice.