Ellen Marie Johnson Strohmeyer

Ellen Marie Johnson Strohmeyer, age 76, of Golden, CO, entered into eternal life on July 31, 2024.  She passed away at InterMountain Health Hospice in Wheat Ridge, CO just weeks after being diagnosed with stage four cancer (adenocarcinoma).  Despite her immeasurable suffering, she exemplified courage and perseverance to the end.  She passed away with her son Johnathan at her side.  Her devotion to her Catholic faith sustained her unto death.

Ellen was born on September 17, 1947 in Milwaukee, WI to parents Nels and Annette Johnson.  She was the youngest of three children and the only daughter.  Her father immigrated to the USA from Bergen, Norway.  Her mother, Annette Andersen, was of Norwegian heritage as well, born in Stanley, WI.  Her father was a skilled carpenter and mother a homemaker.  Ellen was very proud of her Norwegian ancestry.  Her dream of traveling to Norway one day was never realized.

Ellen married at a young age and had four children:  Michael Jr., Dawne, Lisa and Lynn.  After divorcing, she moved to Colorado, her favorite state.  She remarried and had son Johnathan.  Ellen worked for Safeway grocery stores for decades, including management positions.  She graduated from Arapahoe Community College in Littleton, CO in 1990, earning an Associates Degree in Medical Records Technology.  She worked as a medical records coder for several years, but later returned to employment at Safeway until retirement.

Ellen’s passions included walks/hikes in nature and Colorado mountains, animals and genealogy.    She also enjoyed gold panning and horse racing.  She was a long-time fan of Elvis Presley and John Denver.  She was devoted to charitable causes serving animals and people in poverty/need.  She loved dogs; animal family members included Westie I, Tusie, Westie II and Sheba.  Her social activities were more limited after developing the disease colitis.  She loved time spent with her grandchildren.  In recent years, she developed a close bond with grandson Peter, sharing in his interest of railroad trains.

Ellen is preceded in death by her parents Nels and Annette Johnson, brother Donald Johnson and nephew Steve Johnson.

Ellen is survived by her children Michael Gurch Jr. (Gem), Dawne Salloum (Pierre), Lisa Castillo, Lynn Russ (Jim) and Johnathan Strohmeyer; brother Richard Johnson; 20 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; nephews Scott Johnson, Kris Johnson and niece Carla Rayburn; long-time friend Eileen Alarid.

Ellen’s funeral and burial occurred on August 6, 2024.  A rosary and mass were held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Golden, CO.  She is interred at Golden Cemetery.