Gretchen Leslie Johnson, age 79, passed away peacefully at her home in Mercer, Wisconsin, on February 12, 2026, after a lengthy battle with cancer. 

Gretchen was born on May 23, 1946, to Leslie and Miriam Wanink of Wakefield, Michigan, and was the oldest of seven children. With her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, she often jokingly referred to herself as “the Fossil” as the eldest among her siblings. 

After graduating from Wakefield High School in 1964, Gretchen worked in a variety of different roles throughout her career, including as a seamstress for Munsingwear, the Executive Secretary for the Wakefield School District, and as a secretary for the Ontonagon Intermediate School District. She later joined her husband, Rocky, in retirement after retiring from the State of Michigan following many years of combined dedicated service with the Wakefield and Ontonagon Intermediate School Districts. 

In 1994, she married Rockney “Rocky” Johnson at the Wakefield United Methodist Church, where she was a devoted member. Together they built their home on Little Pike Lake in Mercer, Wisconsin, and shared the same passions of spending time outdoors, cooking and eating good food, watching football, especially the Green Bay Packers and Michigan Wolverines, visiting with family and friends, and drinking “Old Fashions” while playing friendly competitive games of cribbage. 

Gretchen had a true gift for sewing and creating; there wasn’t anything she couldn’t make, repair, or tailor, and she lovingly handmade clothing for family and friends over the years, including wedding dresses when requested. Her creativity, generosity, and caring nature touched many lives. 

She is survived by her son, Michael Zazeski (Becki); her six siblings, Carolyn (William) Parker, Sharelyn (Michael) Porcarelli, Kathryn Brogan, David (Mable) Wanink, Richard (Vicki) Wanink, and Nick (Susan) Wanink; her stepchildren, Laurie Renquist, Kris Tetting, Diane Brusoe (Bruce), and Ryan Johnson (Cindy); eleven grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her deeply. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rocky Johnson, and her parents, Leslie and Miriam Wanink. 

Gretchen will be remembered for her humor, SISU, creativity, and the love she shared with those around her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. 

A celebration of life for family, relatives, and friends to reminisce and honor Gretchen’s life will take place at a date and time yet to be determined.