Obituary: Anna (Geurts) Johnsen

I, Anna (Geurts) Johnsen, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2022, following a two-year battle with colon cancer. I wasn’t expecting to have to write my own obituary, bear with me… it’s my first time.

I was born April 18, 1985, to Glenn and Marlene (Leick) Geurts. I grew up a farm kid, blessed with a happy home, loving family and lots of friends, a childhood that I am so grateful to have had. I have always been a wild child with a big heart and the drive to succeed at whatever life threw at me. I have joked throughout this journey that I needed to beef up my obituary with extracurricular activities but ran out of time, however, I’m content in the fact I’m a hardworking mom and I’m proud of that.

Following graduation at Wrightstown High School in 2003, I attended college… for a long time. In 2012, I graduated from UW-Green Bay with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and in 2015, I graduated from UW-Oshkosh with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Healthcare Management. I worked several different areas of healthcare throughout my career including direct care and health insurance before landing my dream job as the Director of Operations at the Jackie Nitschke Center.

While I am proud of my career achievements, the highlight of my life was delivered in 2018, my pride and joy, my son, Levi. Nothing has brought my more joy than being a mom and I am so blessed to have had the opportunity, even if only for a short time.

I am survived by my son, Levi, my parents Glenn and Marlene Geurts, siblings: Noah (Teri) Geurts and their children Cierra (Shawn) and Baby Nitke, Claire Geurts, Emily, Nick and Eric Diny, Jordan (Kristen) Geurts and their children Isaac and Lily Geurts, Jake (Jenny) Geurts and their children Connor and Bret Geurts, along with several aunts, uncles, cousins, and best friends that became sisters. I am further survived by Levi’s father, Jesse Johnsen, and “my girls,” Levi’s sisters, Katelyn, Payton, and Samantha Johnsen.

I would like to thank all the nurses at Green Bay Oncology for their care and compassion. My family who walked hand in hand with me throughout, the best group of friends a girl could ask for, friends that ran towards me at time where it was easier to run from me, and a generous community that embraced me.

Anna’s family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Green Bay Oncology and St. Vincent Hospital 6th Floor ICU, family, friends, neighbors, colleagues at the JNC and our community for all their compassion, kindness, thoughtfulness, and generous support.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the education fund established for Levi or a donation to the Jackie Nitschke Center.

A private family prayer service was held for Anna at Ryan Funeral Home in De Pere.

Per Anna’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Just Stop In 5316 State Highway 57, De Pere, on Thursday, May 26, 2022, from 4 PM until 8 PM. Please join us!

To Anna, we love you, you will be missed!