LORENE JOYLENE JOHNSON

Lorene Joylene Johnson, 94, passed away February 19, 2024 in Boulder City, NV. She was born to Adolph and Helen (Klasi) Johnson October 31, 1929 in Dell Rapids, South Dakota. She will be deeply missed. She was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Wayne Edward Turk (born December 31, 1924 in Sioux City, Iowa) who died in 1990, and her beloved brother Orville "Tarz" Johnson of Madison, South Dakota and Harold Johnson of Chicago, Illinois. She is survived by her devoted daughter Kery Sawyer of Boulder City, NV, son Kris Turk (Connie) of Huntington Beach, CA and son Kory Turk of Vienna, Austria as well as her treasured Grandchildren Morgan Sawyer (fiancée Alyssa), Kelsey Turk, Alexander "AJ" Turk, and Great Grandson Noah Sawyer. Lorene was proud to have overcome a youth of profound poverty. With odds stacked against her, she transformed her life into one of economic security and fulfillment with sheer resolve and an indomitable spirit, her efforts nothing short of heroic. She was passionate about work. Most days she could be found cheerfully serving customers, whether in coffee shops, diners, a French bakery, a candy & ice cream shop, upscale supper clubs or iconic delicatessens, where she was considered a legend. Aptly middle-named "Joylene" she indeed brought joy to people who came to her for a meal, a special occasion or a treat. Customers would regularly forego available seating to wait an hour or more to sit in Lorene's assigned section of a restaurant. She made sure each person had an enjoyable and positive experience leaving with the feeling it had been the highlight of their day. This mission in Lorene's life allowed her to help provide for her family, which was of utmost importance to her. Lorene loved coffee, Jewish food, her Norwegian heritage and the color blue! She loved major league baseball and watching figure skating, opera music, going out to restaurants, windy days, writing and receiving handwritten letters and cards, doing crossword puzzles, reading biographies, and enjoying her family and lifelong collection of friends. She will be most remembered for her bright smile, sparkling blue eyes, delightful laugh, selfless generosity, boundless energy and extraordinary work ethic. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to her favorite charities: The Wounded Warrior Project and Paralyzed Veterans of America. Please join us in celebrating Lorene's remarkable life on Sunday, April 28th at Faith Christian Church in Boulder City from 1:00 to 3:00pm.