Virginia Darlene (Warndahl) Johnson

Virginia Darlene Johnson, 85, of Silsbee, formerly of Amery, Wisconsin, passed away in the early morning hours of Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Born in Garfield, Wisconsin, to Carl Julius Warndahl and Elsie Julia Bronoel, Virginia lived a life defined by her gentle spirit, adventurous heart, creative talents, and deep love for her family.

Virginia graduated from Unity High School in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, and married Robert Charles Johnson on May 23, 1959. Though their marriage ended in divorce in 1988, the two continued a lasting friendship, reflecting a bond that endured beyond their marriage. In 1996, Virginia made her way to Silsbee, where she would spend the next three decades making a beautiful home and new life.

Among Virginia's greatest accomplishments was raising her three sons, Jeff, Jerry, and Jim. She led by example, working hard to help provide for her family while instilling in her boys the importance of dedication, honesty, responsibility, and self-reliance. From an early age, she encouraged them to work for the things they wanted, teaching them the value of earning their own way and taking pride in a job well done. She nurtured their independence, creativity, and ability to think for themselves, allowing each to discover his own interests and follow his own path. Those early lessons helped shape three hardworking, resourceful, and independent men who carried her values throughout their lives. Through the families they raised, the lives they built, and the lessons they passed along, Virginia's influence and legacy will continue for generations.

Remembered as a good-natured and softhearted woman with a discerning eye, Virginia was a devoted mother, grandmother, and gifted artist. Watercolor painting was one of her greatest passions, and she became a prolific wildlife artist, capturing the beauty of the natural world through her work. Yet, as much as she loved painting, few things brought her greater joy than sharing that love with her grandchildren. Patiently teaching them to paint, she passed along not only her artistic talents but also the simple pleasure of creating something together. She also taught them the importance of integrity and honesty, and was always their protector and biggest fan.

Virginia was always ready for an adventure. She made cross-country drives between her homes in Texas and Wisconsin to be with family, and enjoyed road trips for art fairs, journeys to the North Shore, trips to Canada, and travels out west. Wherever the road took her, she carried her curiosity, creativity, and love of family with her.

Virginia had a way of expressing her love through the little things that made a house feel like home. She showed her family how much they meant to her through meals prepared with care, and her meatloaf was second to none. When she wasn't making art with her grandchildren, she could often be found watching her favorite Disney and PBS movies with them. She also loved watching the Olympics. In her later years, her soft heart extended to the stray cats she faithfully fed, offering a little kindness to the creatures that crossed her path.

It was in these everyday moments, a shared meal, a paintbrush held by little hands, a favorite movie watched together, a journey taken on the open road, or a small act of kindness, that Virginia's love shone brightest. The memories she created with her family will remain treasured reminders of a woman whose warmth, creativity, honesty, and quiet generosity touched the lives around her.

Virginia was preceded in death by her infant son, Robert Allen; her parents, Carl Warndahl and Elsie Heilig; and her older brother, Carl Warndahl Jr.

Those left to cherish Virginia’s memory and carry forward her legacy include her former husband and longtime friend, Robert Charles Johnson; her sons, Jeff (Yvonne) Johnson, Jerry (Susan) Johnson, and James (Sherri) Johnson; her grandchildren, Malane Johnson, Jordan Johnson (Katie Fredianelli), Kaitlyn (Hunter) Bjornson, Emma Johnson, Evan Johnson, Ella Johnson, Kimberlynn Patzold, and Peyton Johnson; her great-grandchildren, Jameson Johnson, Bryant Johnson, Ginny Johnson, Harbor Bjornson, and Harvey Bjornson; and her siblings, Gary (Lynn) Heilig, Vicki Carlson, and Verna (David) Kassera.

A Celebration of Life to follow at a later date.