Vernelle D. Johnson, 86, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away at Ministry Door County Medical Center on Saturday, March 31, 2012. She was born on April 5, 1925, in Sturgeon Bay to Seth and Ethel (Peterson) Johnson. Vernelle graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School and then received her Bachelor of Education degree from University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, with a business education major and minors in English and economics. She later earned a Master’s Degree in business education from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL in 1963. She also earned graduate credits beyond Master’s degree at University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, and University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. Vernelle taught business education subjects at Gibraltar High School, in Fish Creek, for 34 years, from 1956 until 1990. After retiring from Gibraltar High School, she served as a volunteer aide for first graders at Sunset Elementary School in Sturgeon Bay. Vernelle was a long-time and active member of Friends Church in Sturgeon Bay. She is survived by cousins, her church family and friends.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 5, 2012 at the Friends Church, Sturgeon Bay, with Pastor Brian Mitoraj officiating. Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Forbes Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay and then after 9:00 a.m. Thursday at the church until time of services. Burial will be in Bayside Cemetery.