Dr. Kristin Ann Johnson, MD, aged 80, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025 at The Pillars. Kris led a full life of family, adventure, learning, and community involvement. One of the first female physicians in the Grand Rapids area, she cared deeply for her patients, listening to and serving their needs with professionalism, grace, and kindness.

Kris was born May 3, 1945 in Chicago, IL to Rodney II and Verna Nelson, and was raised in the western suburbs of the Windy City. Growing up, she spent many summers in Northern Minnesota together with her family, forming a connection to the state that would last a lifetime. She graduated from Carleton College in 1967, and spent much of her early adulthood in the Duluth area, aside from a 2-year Peace Corps service in the Philippines. Kris began her medical training in her late 20s at the University of Minnesota - Duluth, where she met her future husband William E. (Bill) Johnson. The two of them married and graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 1978. Following the completion of their medical residencies, she and Bill moved to Grand Rapids in 1982.

Kris practiced family medicine for her entire 30-year career in Grand Rapids. From 1997 to 2011 she cared for patients at her own clinic, the New Spirit Women's Clinic, the establishment of which was her proudest career achievement.

Kris loved spending time outside with her family. She was an avid outdoorswoman, skilled with both fishing rod and hunting rifle. She was active outside year-round, canoeing in the Boundary Waters, cross-country skiing on local trails, and engaging in various other active pursuits. She instilled both her love of the outdoors and commitment to serving others in her children, who carry on her legacy.

Preceded in death by her parents, Kris is survived by husband, Bill, of Grand Rapids; brothers, Rodney III (Jackie) Nelson, Geneva, IL, and Jeff (Lee) Nelson, Darby, MT and sister, Abbe Burke, Lake Forest, IL; daughter, Janna (Sinthang Has), Minneapolis, MN, and son, Mark (Hannah Watkins), Etna, NH; and four grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life is planned for 3-5pm on Sunday, August 24 at Community Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Alzheimer's Association or the ISD 318 Endowment Fund.