Carolyn Elaine Tinkel Johanson

Jul. 21, 1943 - Nov. 17, 2006

SOUTH BEND - Carolyn Elaine (Tinkel) Johanson, 63, born July 21, 1943, passed from this life to eternal peace on November 17, 2006, at her home in Rye, CO, following a courageous and dignified fight with Huntington's Chorea and a recent diagnosis of ALS. Her parents, Wayne and Helen Tinkel of South Bend, IN, and brothers, Greg E. Tinkel and Dale L. Tinkel, and granddaughter, Emily Irene Rainiero, preceded her in death.

Carolyn (Tinkel) Johanson graduated from John Adams High School in 1961, attended Indiana University South Bend for two years (1972-1973), and earned her paralegal certification in 1986. She was selected in 1977 as one of the “Outstanding Young Women of America.”

Carolyn was noted for her groundbreaking efforts in women's rights, and her strength in advocating and supporting family rights. She was the first woman police officer in the City of South Bend, IN, in many years, joining the department in 1968 and starting the current group of women police officers. She served honorably and with distinction for seven years. She was a member of the Women Police of Indiana and a charter member of the International Association of Women Police Officers. Her last position was court monitor for the Social Security Administration.

Carolyn met Raymond Johanson while both were attending classes at Indiana University South Bend. They were married on August 23, 1975, in South Bend, IN. She was a staunch supporter of her husband's U.S. Navy career. While they were stationed at Subic Bay Naval Base, Philippines, Carolyn designed, established and served as the director of the U.S. Navy's very first Family Advocacy Center. This became the prototype for all subsequent military family support centers and family advocacy centers worldwide. She was also the recipient of numerous letters of commendation from the South Bend Police Department, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force for her exceptional work.

She is survived by her husband Raymond and their four children, Ben (Gail) Johanson of North Charleston, SC, and their two daughters, Ashley and Taylor; Gregory Johanson of Logan, UT, and his children, Joshua and Amber; Cheryl (Michael) McDaniel of Waynesboro, VA, and their children, Brittany and Brian; and Wendy (David) Rainiero of Northfield, MN, and their two children, Olivia and Leo. Also surviving her are her four brothers, Terry (Carol) Tinkel of Bostic, NC, Dean (Terri) Tinkel of Mishawaka, IN, Roger (Shiela) Tinkel of Plymouth, IN, and Keith (Joyce) Tinkel of New Carlisle, IN.

A gathering of friends will be at the Palmer Funeral Home, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., from noon to 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, December 16, 2006, followed by a private interment.

Carolyn's family asks that donations be made to local area family support centers or groups, or to women's crisis centers.

JFC