Johanna Ernestine Colson
COLSON, Johanna Ernestine, 88, Dover-Foxcroft, September 15, 2016. In keeping with Johanna’s wishes, there will be no services. Arrangements are under the care of the Lary Funeral Home.
Johanna Ernestine Colson
DOVER-FOXCROFT – Johanna Ernestine (Grampp) Colson, 88, died September 15, 2016, at her home. She was born October 1, 1927, in Bamberg, Germany, the daughter of Heinrich and Barbara (Akenbrand) Grampp. The third of eight siblings, she grew up under Nazi rule, truly a difficult life for a child. On her sixteenth birthday, her father was sent to Dachua concentration camp for “amoral” behavior. He was not seen again except once by her mother, Barbara, to say good-bye just before he committed suicide while in custody.
While working on base, Johanna met Everett S. Colson, a sergeant in the U.S. Army of Occupation and after several years, were married in February 1958. Their only son, Everett L., was born later that same year.
Johanna became a proud U.S. citizen in 1963 while they were stationed in Fort Carson, CO. She followed Everett, with child in tow, to every posting until his retirement from the Army in 1971 when they settled in Dover-Foxcroft. Throughout the years, her passion for knitting and crocheting was evident.
Everett’s deployment to Vietnam in 1967 was another difficult time in her life. After 42 years of marriage, Everett predeceased her in 2000. This was by far the worst of the tough times she had endured during her lifetime.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by several of her brothers and sisters, and her one and only loving daughter-in-law, Maria M. Colson, in 2006. Johanna is survived by her son, Everett L.; four grandchildren, Michelle Mellon, John Mellon, James Colson and Joshua Colson; and seven great-grandchildren, listed oldest to youngest, Brittany Dyer, Brandon Dyer, Abigail Mellon, Kyren Mellon, Matthew Fillmore, Ayden Mellon and Joshua Ames.
In keeping with Johanna’s wishes, there will be no services. Memorial contributions may be made to Mayo Regional Hospital, 897 W Main St., Dover-Foxcroft 04426. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft. Condolences and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.
Rest in Peace, Mom.