Johanna Viklund Sharnborg, our wonderful loving aunt, great aunt, and friend, after a brief illness, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of August 18, 2000.
Johanna's life was filled with music, kindness, love and generosity. Johanna was a gifted composer of music and poetry. She was accomplished at so many things. She taught elementary school for forty-five years. Her strong faith and desire to do something good, truly brightened all of our lives.
Born Nov 22, 1906 to Olaf Peter Viklund and Kristina Anderson Viklund in Raqunda, Sweden. Johanna at age six, with her family, began her life in America in 1912, settling in Spanish Fork, UT. She was an active and devoted member of the LDS Church. Her influence has been shared in most of the LDS Church organizations- Sunday school, MIA, Primary, and ward choirs. She served several years on the General Board of Primary, and was the choir director in South Cottonwood ward. She received her degree from BYU, majoring in elementary education with a minor in English and Music. She began teaching in 1926 at the Central School in Spanish Fork. Johanna taught all the elementary grades in Nebo District (Spanish Fork), Jordan District, (Draper, Union, and Midvale). While in Spanish Fork she served as principal of the Rees School for five years. In her teaching, Johanna always had great concern with development of creativeness in her pupils especially music, art, and literature. The many choral groups that she trained, and the art and poetry done by her pupils will have special meaning in their lives. In considering the number of children participating in all of her choruses, the count would be approximately 2000. She directed several choral groups including the Merrinotes, the Lorelei Singers and Junior Choir in the Third Ward. Professional group affiliations include N.E.A., U.E.A., L.E.A., and the Omicron Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma.
Johanna married Allan G. Sharnborg June 21, 1950 and their marriage was later solemnized at the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Allan preceded Johanna in death, May 1994.
Survived by 10 nieces and nephews: Ardis Cook (Robert), Lucy May Pugh (Kelly), Verna Richards, Kevin Viklund (Patricia), Michael Viklund, Helen Warnick (Boyd), Mary McKay (Bob), Ray Viklund, Kathryn Salsinger, Coleen Wells (George). Johanna was also preceded in death by five brothers, Hans Oscar, Olaf, Albert Eric, Victor, Nels; three sisters, Anna, Ellen, Margret; one nephew, Glen; and one niece, Ina. Being in her presence was a gift to many; it has been a privilege to know her.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 22, 2000, 11 a.m. at South Cottonwood Ward, 5600 So. Vine St. (700 E.), Murray. Family and friends may call Monday 78 pm at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 So. State St., Murray and Tuesday from 1010:45 a.m. at the church. Interment Spanish Fork City Cemetery, 400 South and 400 East.