| Graduation Year | Class of 1962 |
| Date of Passing | Jan 20, 2013 |
| About | Michael A. Johnson, age 68, passed away on Sunday, January 20, 2013, following a six year battle with esophageal cancer and other complications. He was born on August 16, 1944, in Baraboo, Wisconsin, the son of Vernon Otis and Elizabeth Ann (Putz) Johnson. Mike graduated from Baraboo Senior High in 1962, and enlisted in the United States Air Force serving as Ammunitions Specialist. He married Patricia Upham and had a son, Todd. Later, on November 27, 1976, Mike was united in marriage to Susan Ann Warn. In 1977, Mike joined the Civil Engineers Unit with the Air National Guard Unit, 115 Fighter Wing in Madison. Mike helped his dad, who was employed as a contractor with the Bechtal Corporation, build the nuclear power plant in Russellville, AR after being honorably discharged from the Air Force. He later worked with several local roofing contractors and eventually started up his own business, Johnson and Son Weatherization. He was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church, Reedsburg, where he served on the Church Council and the Administrative Board. He had a strong faith and enjoyed his volunteer work with the church, Wisconsin Kiwanis, and Reedsburg Hospital, where he was known as the "Candyman". He and Sue created Companions for Kids (a Big Brother-Big Sister type program) matching several kids with companions for ten years. There were several mission trips hauling either school supplies or building materials for various relief projects; as well as supporting Habitat for Humanity for Sauk-Columbia County Areas. Many will remember him for the many meals he grilled for family and friends, especially those Johnsonville Brats. He loved to entertain and was happy to make room for "one more" at the dinner table. Mike and Sue started the Open Table Community Meal in Reedsburg in 2009, which still continues today - a free meal for anyone to enjoy. He had an outgoing, spirited personality that drew people to him. He made all those around him laugh without even trying. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, watching baseball and football. Mike is survived by his wife of 37 years, Susan, of Wisconsin Dells; son, Todd (Dionne) of Poynette; half-sister, Zerelda (Roman) Nemechny of KY; three step-brothers, Russell (Dita) Marshall of HI, Harlan (Dorothy) Marshall of LA, and Jack (Ginny) Powell of AR; step-sister, Brenda Hodges of FL; grandsons, Jared and Trevor Johnson; great aunt, Gert Struck of Reedsburg; as well as many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. We honor Michael's life with a memorial service at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 24, 2013, at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, Reedsburg, with Pastor David Glesne officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4:00 -7:00 PM at the Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg and on Thursday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, or the Reedsburg Area Medical Center. |
