Reva Johnsen

Reva Kay Johnsen (nee Biesterfeld), 74, a resident of Arlington Heights for 41 years, passed away on November 20, 2015 at Northwest Community Hospital. She was born February 20, 1941, in Chicago, to Melvin and Olga Biesterfeld (nee Goertzen). She moved to Barrington at the age of 12.

Reva was very involved with Salem United Methodist Church in Barrington, which she attended from the age of 12. A few of the many roles she served at the church were as a Sunday school teacher, parish visitor, United Methodist Women President, and disability advocate.

She taught 12 years at Marion Jordan Elementary School in Palatine District 15, mostly in kindergarten, and then was a loving stay-at-home mom. She graduated from North Central College in 1963. She earned two masters degrees: one in education from Northern Illinois University in 1969 and one in divinity from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1999.

She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Arthur “Tom” Johnsen; two daughters, Patty Johnsen and Kathy (Nathan) Schrenk; three grandchildren, Arthur, Noah, and Helen; and one brother, Larae Biesterfeld. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Myrna Lou Biesterfeld and Arlene Young; her brother-in-law Chuck Young; and her parents.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 23, from 4 pm – 8 pm at Salem United Methodist Church, 115 W Lincoln Ave., Barrington. Visitation will continue at the church on Tuesday from 10:30 until the time of funeral service at 11:30. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorials in Reva’s name can be made to Salem United Methodist Church, in care of Memorials.

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