Suran S. Johnston

February 20, 1955 - January 5, 2024

A celebration of her life will be held this summer.

It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Suran Shin Johnston, 68 , of Nekoosa, Wisconsin. She departed this world on January 5, 2024 after a long-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. A cherished soul was lost whose warmth, laughter, and friendship touched countless lives.

Suran was born in Young Kang province, South Korea on February 20, 1955 to Dong Kune and Onyeo Choi Shin. There she met a young American soldier serving in Korea. They fell in love and soon left for the United States, to reside in Beaver Dam, WI where she married, that serviceman, Mike Kopff. In 1975 Suran started working for John Deere’s manufacturing facility in Horicon, WI. She was involved with inventory and material movement and with her warm but persistent personality had a successful career until retiring in 2010.

Suran will always be remembered for her love of life and how she lived it to the fullest. She was a very active person and loved the outdoors. One of her passions was running and that’s how she met her current husband, Richard Johnston. Shortly after finishing their first marathon together, they were married on October 16, 2003 on Molokai, Hawaii’s sandy beach. For them, it was just the beginning of many bold adventures and the creation of wonderful memories together.

Suran was a beacon of light for so many people, a character whose personality effortlessly drew people towards her. Always the life of the party, Suran had an infectious spirit that energized any room. To say she was a little instigator would be an understatement and with the help of her many friends would create spontaneous fun that will be remembered for ever.

Suran is survived by her husband Richard, his children Lynnette, Jennifer, Kelley, and 6 grandchildren, 3 of her sisters, several nieces and nephews many of whom live in Korea and Mike Kopff. There are also countless friends that will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her father, mother, brother, and a sister.

Suran will always remain in our hearts, a timeless reminder of the impact a true friend can have and though she is no longer beside us her spirit will continue to inspire us. A celebration of her life will be held this summer.

Koepsell Funeral Home

Aa-young Kang

Jennifer Brush

Debbie Herbst

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A celebration of her life will be held this summer.

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I miss you

Suran what an amazing, beautiful soul.
What does Suran mean!!
S- supportive
U- unbeatable
R-radiant
A-adventurous
N-natural
I will miss our hikes together in Fountain Hills AZ. We had the Fab 10. What a great group of women, we had lots of laughs, good times, hiking. 🥾 and a few bevy’s. As well.

Your sunny ☀️ disposition will radiate always. Thinking of you.

Richard, never easy losing a spouse and your best friend. Suran is your newest guardian angel and the brightest star ⭐️ in the star. Forever in your heart ❤️

Suran will be greatly missed. She was a sweetheart. My condolences Richard😢

Richard, so sorry for your loss! She left this earth way too early. I loved working with Suran at John Deere. I am so glad that she got to retire early so you and her could travel. I know you and Suran made a lot of memories. Now she will be looking down on all. May she be at peace now! J$

My deepest sympathy to Richard & all the family. Suran may you rest in peace,😘 💙

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Suran was quite a great Lady!! I first met her at JD many years ago doing different jobs. Great Worker and Friend. Move to AZ and who did we run into Suran and Richard, wow!! God received another Great Angel, she'll be Watching over us All!!! God Bless All of hear families and friends!!

Richard, our sincere sympathy. There are few words of comfort one can offer. She was a bright light to everyone that knew her and she will continue to shine on in the sky above.
Pat & Gordy

It was such an honor to get to know Suran. She was so kind and sweet. I will miss seeing her smile and hearing her voice. I am so honored to have met her for even such a short time. She will be missed. Richard, you will be in my prayers.
Toni

So very sorry to hear of Suran's passing. I always enjoyed working with her. Her smile lit up the room, and it seemed she always had a smile on her face.

A good friend can never truly be lost. Friendships extend beyond the. mortal realm. We love you Suran. The Fab 10 forever!!

Suran filled our hearts with love and joy. She will be missed but will forever be here in spirit..

I feel blessed to have met and hiked with Suran and Richard in Tennessee and also shared their hospitality with dinner and homemade wine tasting in their home. Richard, Suran touched a lot of lives in a positive way! So glad for the opportunity to have known her!

We are so sorry to hear of her passing. She was a lovely and spirited soul. Our condolence to her family and all of her many friends. With love. Paul and Sheri

You will be forever missed 이모 Suran! We love you always ❤️
- Thomas, Mija, Jennifer, Casey, Avery, Evelyn and Ivy

So sad to hear this. Suran was a beautiful soul and will be greatly missed. I saw her last at the parade. Love to her family. ❤️❤️❤️ -Gina Morkel

A very special person to many. Her presence and kindness will be missed.
I was blessed to know her and call her a dear friend ❤️

My sincere condolences to Suran’s entire family. She was a kind and beautiful woman. I had many laughs with her on golf league. The world was a little brighter because of Suran.

My memories of this special lady are countless. I will never forget my dear friend. I know so many people are grieving for her. But I also know she wants us all to keep on living and be happy in life. So long Suran until we meet again.

What a beautiful picture and beautiful memories you wrote Richard of Suran 💞
We will miss her dearly 💔

Jack and Cheryl

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.