Denise Arlinghaus Johnson

Denise (Arlinghaus) Johnson, 70, passed away peacefully on February 21 st, 2025 at Hock Family Pavilion in Durham surrounded by her loving family. Born on August 4 th , 1954 in Orange County, Texas she was the daughter of the late Kenneth Thomas Arlinghaus and Joan Marie (Hunnefeld) Arlinghaus. She was preceded in death by her father and by her two brothers, Danny and David Arlinghaus. Her sister, Diane Kunzelman, lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mrs. Johnson was married for 42 years to John Johnson, who survives. She is also survived by her two sons, Jake and Eric Cole, and two step-children, Tracy Leinenger and Kevin Johnson. She had 10 wonderful grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, who she loved and cared for dearly.

Mrs. Johnson attended Scarlet Oaks Vocational school and graduated from Loveland High School in Ohio. She received her degree from Miami University of Oxford, OH and retired as a Medicare Compliance Officer with Anthem Insurance Company in Mason, Ohio. In North Carolina she attended St. Catherine of Siena Church in Wake Forest as well as Oak Level Christian Church in Youngsville.

Mrs. Johnson loved to have fun! She was quick to laugh and eager to enjoy time spent with family and friends. She had a warm, inviting smile. She enjoyed shopping and loved a great deal. She also exercised regularly, having spent many mornings at O2 Fitness with friends. She loved to go for short trips around town, and more distant trips abroad to Ireland, England, France, and Mexico.

Family was of great importance to Mrs. Johnson. After retirement, she graciously chose to move to North Carolina, where she lovingly assisted in the care of two of her grandchildren. A common thread has been expressed, which is that she lived humbly and with kindness and love in all that she did. She was a truly amazing soul with a gentle demeanor that never ceased, even in sickness. The impact she had will endure with all those who knew her.

Her family is especially grateful for the care she received at Duke Cancer Center and through the Palliative Medicine Department. Special thanks to her daughter- in-law, Rachael Mintz-Cole, who helped navigate her medical needs and advocate for her care. To all those individuals who comforted her so lovingly at Hock Family Pavilion, we thank you sincerely. We are grateful to our close friends, Dale and Natalie Miller and her childhood friend Diane Holt for their support during her final days. Father Basile Sede and Pastor Robert Faile also graciously prayed for her and with her family and provided much needed reassurance. Finally, and most importantly, we are thankful for every moment we shared with Denise Johnson. Her legacy of love and kindness will never be forgotten.

A church service and Celebration of Life will be held at a later date near family and friends in Cincinnati, Ohio.