George O. Johnson, age 68, of Eau Claire, died Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire.
George was born to Otto and Mabel (Knabe) Johnson in Merrill, on Feb. 22, 1943. He graduated from Merrill High School in 1961. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1961 and was honorably discharged in 1964. He met his beloved Judy in 1966 and they were married in August of 1967. He worked for Holsum Bakery and Uniroyal Tire Company before moving on to UWEC Facilities in 1991. He retired from UWEC Recreation in 2005.
George was an active member of VFW Post #7232 and of St. James the Greater Church, where he frequently served as both greeter and usher. George lived and breathed hunting and fishing. He spent countless hours afield beside a trout stream, in a blind, on the ice, in a boat, on a stand, or in the woods. He took great pride in his “shack” up north where he reveled in the camaraderie of his many hunting buddies and treated every visitor and guest as if they were family. His other hobbies included socializing, golf, landscaping, cribbage and, of course, Badger and Packer football.
George was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed traveling with his “girl” Judy and supported all of his children’s and grandchildren’s endeavors, spending many an afternoon and evening cheering them on from the bleachers or sidelines. As his grandchildren grew up, he embraced his role as a mentor as he passed along a lifetime’s worth of knowledge to the next generation.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the kind staff at the Mayo Health System Critical Care Unit and Cancer Center.
George was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Karen Dietzler; father-in-law Bert Johnson and mother-in-law Beverly Johnson. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Judy; children, Chris, Dan (Nadine), and Kelly (Lance) Sorensen; grandchildren, Nick, Luke, Drew, Cade, Gavin, Jeana, and Chloe; siblings, Darlene (Marvin) Hinz, Lucille (Bruce) Zander, Bonnie (Jim) Gass, Robert (Trina) Johnson, Marian (Randy) Gatterman, and Peter (Nancy) Johnson; brothers-in-law, Mike Dietzler, Dale (Kathy) Johnson, and Alan (Rose Ann) Johnson; sisters-in-law, Jane (Chuck) Cyr, Carol (Andy) Hewitt, Jan (Scott) Coenen, and Kathy (Mark) Eisold; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 2502 11th St., Eau Claire, with Father Brian Konopa officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire with military honors conducted by VFW Post #305.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the George O. Johnson Memorial Fund at Royal Credit Union, P.O. Box 970, Eau Claire, WI 54702.
To express condolences online, please visit obituaries at www.lenmarkfh.com.