Catherine E. Johnson, age 85, of 2522 South 24th, died on Sunday, October 21, 2012 in Blessing Hospital. She was born on November 13, 1926 in Quincy, IL the daughter of Ferd and Antoinette (Heckenkamp) Niemann. She married James E. Johnson on December 30, 1946 in St. Mary Catholic Church in Quincy. He survives. Catherine was a graduate of St. Mary Grade School, Quincy Notre Dame High School and Marycrest College in Davenport, IA. While in both high school and at Marycrest, Catherine played in numerous recitals including duets with her sister. Catherine was a volunteer for Catholic Charities. As an officer of her high school class, she helped coordinate her reunion throughout the years. Catherine was a wonderful Christian woman who was extremely devoted to her church, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Catherine was the accompanist for Christian Brothers and the Catholic Boys Glee Club. She was a very accomplished musician and was the organist at St. Mary’s for over 15 years. While in that capacity she played for a host of events including the St. Mary’s Children’s Choir, the adult and funeral choir, and many weddings and Sunday masses. Throughout her life, however, Catherine’s greatest joy was her family. She delighted in following all of her children’s, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by:
SEVEN CHILDREN: Jane E. Reidner and her husband David of Nauvoo, IL; Catherine Rockwell and her husband Garry of Canton, MO; Bob Johnson and his wife Jil of Quincy; Ted Johnson and his wife Annette of Quincy; Jeff Johnson and his wife LeeAnne of Katy, TX; Mike Johnson and his wife Brenda, and Phill Johnson and his wife Jill of Quincy.
DAUGHTER-IN-LAW: Margaret Johnson of Quincy
TWENTY SIX-GRANDCHILDREN: Mike T. Sorensen and his wife Mauli; Barbara Reidner; Alicia Espe and her husband Geoff; Gregory Rockwell, Teresa Reilly and her husband James; Jason Rockwell; James “Jay” Johnson III; Suzanne Hardiek and her husband Mike; Jayme Connell and her husband Bill; Tracy Murphy and her husband David; Ryan Johnson and his wife Kimberly; Kari Smith and her husband Steve; Laura Smith and her husband Tim; Ted Johnson and his significant other Sidney Priebe; Ben Johnson and his wife Dale Lynn; Samantha Johnson; Christine Johnson; Andrew Johnson; Tyler Little; Brooke Little; Miki Johnson; Ashlen Johnson; Alex Johnson; Phil Johnson II; Jenna Johnson and Paul Johnson.
EIGHTEEN GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN
A BROTHER: Rich Niemann and his wife Connie
A SISTER: Mary Shankland
A SISTER-IN-LAW: Rita Niemann
Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.
Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, one son James Johnson II, a brother Ferd Niemann II and a brother in law: Jack Shankland.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 25, 2012 at 10:00 in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and at 10:30 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Interment in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 4:00 until 8:00 PM in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Quincy Notre Dame or Quincy High School music departments or to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.