Janet Barbara Johnson

She married Sandy Lipsky in 1960 and moved to Minneapolis. They had two girls, Jessica in 1962, and Jennifer, in 1964. After their divorce, she took in foster teenagers at her home in Kenwood. In 1968, she worked on the Harry Davis campaign for Minneapolis mayor. She was employed at Gingold-Pink Architects in the late 60’s and early 70’s. There she met Dennis Odin Johnson. Their first date involved flying an 8 ft tetrahedral kite on KQRS Kite Day. With Dennis, she helped create The Big Outdoors People in 1972, building geodesic domes and selling alternative energy systems.

In 1975 they moved to North Branch, bought 50 acres and started to build a dome home. They were married in Dec. 1975. Erik was born in 1976, after which, she ran a day care facility in her home. In 1978, she and Dennis formed Natural Spaces Domes. She was a volunteer member of the Minnesota Environmental Education Board for many years. She took over the position of MEEB director, running this state organization for 18 months.

She was elected to the North Branch school board and served 3 terms from 1984 thru 1990, acting as chair from 1988 thru 1990. She was an active member of the Chisago County DFL party. She was elected chair for many years prior to running for the State Rep seat in her district in 1986, losing by a few votes. When State Senator Randy Peterson was appointed to a judgeship in 1990, she decided to run for his seat, winning by a wide margin (probably because she door knocked over 8000 houses). She was re-elected in 1992 and 1996. Her special concerns involved education and the environment.

In April of 1997, her life was brightened by Sarah, her first grandchild. There are not enough words to describe their relationship. On July 4, 1999, Ethan and Soren were born, sustaining her to the end of her life. She was waiting with great anticipation to share her love with Jennifer’s child, due in October.

She passed away on August 21, 1999 at sunrise.