Heide Amrei Barthel Johnson

Heide Amrei Barthel Johnson was born in Altenburg, Germany on August 13, 1945, to the late Friedrich and Dorthea nee Fischer Barthel. Heide Amrei Johnson lived a life full of strength, laughter, and stories that could fill a history book.

Growing up in communist East Germany, Heide often shared memories of her daring escape as a young girl. Memories of crossing into free West Germany with her family and finding resilience in refugee camps until they rebuilt their lives and business. Those early experiences shaped her into the determined, generous, and fiercely loving woman with a side of bluntness that we all came to know and adore.

At just 18, she met a young American Soldier assigned to patrol the Berlin Wall. He would become her future husband, Arthur V. Johnson. They were married on November 16, 1963 in Ulm, Germany. The following year at 9 months pregnant with Thomas Johnson, she bravely packed her bags, crossed the ocean, and began a new adventure in the United States.

Heide and Art made their home in Ligonier, Indiana where they raised their three sons; Thomas, Kenneth, and Matthew. Though she was far from her birthplace she made Ligonier her new home. Most people in town knew her either by name or by her unmistakable German accent. She could charm you into a smile even as she told you exactly what she thought.

She worked for Kidd & Company, tended bar at Jim & Carol’s, the Eagles, managed Heide's Corner Amoco station, and spent 17 memorable years at Ligonier Liquor becoming quite the local legend. Whether pouring a drink or sharing a story, her humor and warmth filled every room she entered.

Heide was blessed with a large and loving family. She took immense pride in her sons and daughter in laws Amy Johnson, Natasha Merrill, and Kim Johnson. She was overjoyed watching her grandchildren grow up: Tess Johnson (Rhys Weber), Charlotte "Nicky" Johnson (David Collins), Seth Johnson (Courtney), Andrew Johnson (Annika), Nicholas Johnson, Cory Wagner (Rachel), Carter, Cami, Logan, Abie, and Mia.

Her family will always remember Grandma Heide’s famous candy dish, a sweet tradition that never ran empty. In later years, she was delighted in meeting her six great-grandchildren, Lucas, Daisy, Mabel, Isabella, Paisley, and Xander. This was such a great joy that completed her long and full life. She is also survived by her stepmother, Rita Barthel and half-brother, Dirk Barthel.

A wonderful cook and hostess, Heide loved family gatherings and holidays, always making enough food “to feed an army” and then some. Her laughter, her stories, and her love for her family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Heide was preceded in death by her beloved son Thomas Johnson (November 16, 2024). She now joins him in peace. She passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Parkview Hospital in Kendallville, Indiana surrounded by loved ones.

Heide Amrei Barthel Johnson will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those lucky enough to have crossed her path. She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who taught us to face life with courage, humor, and maybe just a little sass.

Her story began in Germany, but her love of life, strength, and laughter lives on right here at home in Indiana.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 5:30 pm on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the West Noble American Legion Post 243 located at 100 South Main Street, Ligonier, IN. This celebration is open to all family and friends to honor and celebrate Heide's life.

Memorials contributions in loving memory of Heide Amrei Johnson may be made to the West Noble American Legion Post 243. http://www.westnoblelegion243.com/

The family has entrusted Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South Ligonier, IN 46767, with care. www.yeagerfuneralhome.com