Larry Wayne Johnson, age 76, of Irma, WI, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Friday, November 17, 2023, just hours after being referred to hospice. Larry courageously fought prostate and multiple myeloma cancer for four years with aspiration pneumonia taking him down further the past two months. Thank you Tomahawk Emergency Room staff for being therefor us at many, many visits throughout the past two years. Kudos go to the Town of Russell First Responders and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department Deputy for responding so quickly when called.
Larry was born on December 20, 1946, in Merrill, WI, to the late Jasper and Harriet (Douglas) Johnson of Irma. He attended Irma Grade School until 8th grade and graduated from Merrill Senior High School in 1965. Larry was a member of the Army National Guard after high school and graduated from NTC (North Central Technical College) with an associate degree in printing and accounting. Mardell Behrens and Larry were married in April, 1974. They designed and built their home in 1977.
Larry retired from Lincoln Hills School and worked for Nicklaus Harvesting Enterprises, Quality Print, Lange Bus Service, and Schwab Oil Company. He was the Town of Birch Assessor for many years. Larry was a member and lion tamer of the Irma Lion’s Club. He was in his glory on his tractor, making firewood, hunting, and working on his tree farm. Larry enjoyed visiting with his customers coming every year to cut down their tree. His hobbies were traveling, camping, gardening, snowmobiling, fishing, spending time with family at their Silver Lake lot, and cross-country skiing. He loved talking about seeing Alaska three times and his woodworking projects. After retirement, he and Mardell became vendors at the Saturday Tomahawk Farm& Flea Market, and started snowshoeing and riding his UTV. He was involved in Boy Scouts, 4-H, Bethany Church and Cemetery Board, and coffee get-togethers with old friends.
Larry is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Mardell Johnson; his children, Renee (Joe) Johnson, Michele (Jordan) Gordon, and Jennifer (Eric) Johnson; his grandchildren, Joseph (Bailie), Brittany (Brandon), Bethany (Corey), Christopher (Kea), Julie (Jayden), Brooke, Ashley, and Riley; his great-grandchildren, Bently, Mikey, Emma, Bailey, Addilyn, Paisley, Blake, Charlie and one on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jasper and Harriet; and his brother, James (Maureen) Johnson.
Memorial services for Larry W. Johnson will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Merrill. Rev. Justin Smoot will officiate. The family will receive friends for visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of services at 11:00 AM. Inurnment will follow at the Bethany Cemetery. A celebration of life gathering will be held at Road Lake Pub and Grill located at N8796 County Road S in Tomahawk beginning at 1:00 PM. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory of Tomahawk is assisting the family. You may view Larry’s obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral.com.