Ellen Johnson

Ellen Marie Johnson, age 87, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, at Lafayette Hospital & Clinic in Darlington, Wisconsin. Born on August 19, 1938, in Harvard, Illinois, Ellen was the daughter of John Francis Crowley and Betty Grace Groskinsky.

Ellen was a lifelong resident of the Darlington area, having grown up just outside of town. After marrying her husband Harvey on July 21, 1956, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, they raised their family first in the Seymour area before relocating to Darlington. A devoted wife and mother, Ellen balanced family life with many years of work in customer service, including positions at Lafayette Manor, a local dry cleaner, and Swiss Colony. She was also a dedicated homemaker, providing love and care to her family throughout her life.

A graduate of Darlington High School, Ellen enriched her life with various interests and community involvement. She cherished her time with the Red Hat Ladies and enjoyed monthly lunches with her high school friends. Ellen was a long-time member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, where her faith played an important role. Her hobbies brought her much joy—she loved doing crafts of all kinds, doll collecting, putzing in her yard and camping. Above all, Ellen treasured spending time with her family and friends.

Ellen is survived by her daughter Debbie Slack (John) of Stoughton, Wisconsin; grandchildren Mandy Johnson of Darlington, Travis Johnson (Katy Thompson) of Darlington, and Jennifer Bothum (Paul) of Stoughton, Wisconsin; as well as great-grandchildren Pierce and Chayce Thompson and Ellie Bothum. She also leaves a daughter-in-law, Kathy "Bud" Johnson. She was preceded in death by her husband Harvey (1998), her son Jerry Johnson (2017), and her brother John (Sharon) Francis Crowley.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, February 27, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (104 E. Harriet St., Darlington) with Fr. William Vernon officiating. Burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery in Darlington. A visitation will be held Friday, February 27, 2026, from 11:00 A.M. until 12:45 P.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.