Amy Johnston

Amy Patricia Johnston (Gessner), age 55, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025 after a courageous journey.

Born on October 26, 1969, in Forest Lake, Minnesota, Amy was the beloved daughter of Anna Mae Gessner (Dupre) and Dick Gessner. She was a proud graduate of Forest Lake High School, class of 1988, where she was a member of the marching band and had the honor of marching in the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, CA—an experience she carried with joy and pride throughout her life.

In 1992, Amy graduated from Mankato State University with a degree in graphic design, a field that reflected her natural creativity and artistic spirit.

Amy is survived by her husband, Rob Johnston, whom she married in 1999, and daughter, Alaina Nuehring, who was the joy and pride of her life.

Amy grew up in a close-knit family and was one of seven siblings. She is survived by her brothers Dan Gessner and Tom Gessner, and her sisters Carla Gwynn (Gessner), Diane Petersen (Gessner), Nadine Edmunson (Gessner), and Nancy Rempala (Gessner). She cherished her family deeply and was the heart of many shared memories, reunions, and celebrations.

Amy was employed by Taylor Corporation (TOG) in North Mankato for many years and it became so much more than just a workplace. She loved the company and cherished the people she worked with—many of whom became her closest friends. They were an incredible support system: lifting her up through the hardest times, encouraging her, surrounding her with kindness, and helping her find strength on days when she needed it most. Their care gave her more precious time with her daughter. Amy was deeply proud to be part of the Taylor Corporation family.

Amy's creativity was a reflection of her soul—gentle, joyful, and full of wonder. She had a rare gift for seeing beauty in everyday moments and bringing it to life in ways that touched others. She designed the water tower logo for the city of Forest Lake and created many logos and designs for local celebrations. Amy also loved designing holiday cards for her family, always adding her own special twist. She made people smile. She had a gift for surprise, for thoughtfulness, and for reminding others how much they mattered.

Amy lived each day with quiet strength, compassion, and grace. She gave generously from her heart, always thinking of others first. Her legacy is one of kindness, faith, and enduring love.

A memorial service will be held at Mattson Funeral Home in Forest Lake, Minnesota. Public visitation will be from 12 to 2 p.m., with a memorial service at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship will be established in Amy's honor to benefit the Forest Lake High School Marching Band, a program that meant so much to her.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Birchwood Health Care Center, Fairview Wyoming Hospital, and of course, the Mayo Clinic,—especially Dr. Tefferi—whose God-given wisdom and tireless care became a light in some of our darkest moments.