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LINCOLN-Anita G. Johnson, 83, of Lincoln Illinois passed July 10, 2013 in Lincoln at St. Clara's Manor with family present.

A visitation will be at St. John United Church of Christ in Lincoln, IL on Thursday, July 25, 2013, from 4:30-7 P.M. with a memorial service at 7:00 p.m. Fellowship with coffee and dessert will follow the service. A private family graveside service will take place Friday July 26, 2013 with Pastor Jan Johnson officiating. Arrangements were entrusted to Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in Lincoln. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lincoln Community Action Senior Nutrition at www.capcil.org/donate.htm, St John's United Church of Christ at www.stjohnucclincolnillinois.com, or to the Lupus Foundation of America, Illlinois Chapter, 525 West Monroe Street, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60661-3793.

Anita was born in Decatur, IL on August 24, 1929, to Adam William "Willie" and Elfrieda Lenardt, who immigrated from Germany in the 1920's. She spoke German until she attended school where she quickly learned English. She was united in marriage to Nelson E. "Gene" Johnson on January 23, 1948 in Lincoln, IL. He preceded her in death on December 31, 2010.

She is survived by her daughters, Cindy Johnson (Tim Humes) of Seattle WA and Beth (Ken) Stewart of Germantown Hills, IL. She is also survived by her brother: Fred (Gloria) Lenardt of Lincoln; and three grandchildren: Daniel and and Britta Humes of Seattle WA, and Anna Stewart of Germantown Hill, IL. There are seven surviving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Ruth Lenardt, and infant brother Walter.

Anita was a Lincoln High School graduate of 1947. She enjoyed working for the Office of Veterans Affairs in Lincoln, IL for nine years and then as a church secretary for the St. John United Church of Christ for 18 years. She was an active member of the St. John United Church of Christ for many years and served as a church deacon, she volunteered delivering Meals On Wheels for 20 years. Anita was also involved in the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, and she volunteered for the American Red Cross.

Anita's home was the center of many extended family gatherings for the holidays and celebrations. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren. She was proficient at sewing and was known to create her own patterns. If there was something broken, she was up to the task of fixing it. Favorite pass-times were card club, family games, reading, traveling, fishing, sailing as a girl, being with friends and cooking. She also cared for her in-laws and parents as they became elderly. She will be remembered as a kind, compassionate, intelligent lady and will be greatly missed.