Gaylord "Ole" Johnson

Gaylord “Ole” V Johnson, 100, passed away peacefully at home in his own bed on Sunday, September 15, 2024. A gentle and humble man who lived his life with humor and grace, he will be deeply missed by his wife of almost 69 years Mable E (Schaefer) Johnson, daughter Bonnie (Johnson) Wheeler, grandchildren Andrew (Tara) Wheeler and Kristen Wheeler, and four great-grandchildren Camille, Elliott, Oliver and Lincoln Wheeler. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Born April 5, 1924 on a farm in Franklin, Wisconsin to Herman and Edna Johnson, he was the second of their four children.

A 1943 graduate from Melrose High School in Melrose, WI, he joined the Marines / Navy and served in the Pacific arena during WWII in the Medical Corp on LST #20.

Following the war, he worked at the Tomah VA in Tomah, WI where he met his future wife Mable Schaefer. They married on November 7, 1955. Two children, Bonnie & Steve, completed the family.

Throughout the years, he worked as a truck driver with Chevrolet, foreman on a cranberry marsh in Cranmoor, WI, and maintenance worker at the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. He concluded his work career employed at John Edwards High School as maintenance supervisor retiring in 1989.

“Ole” was a charter member of the Ridge Gun Club, member of the Cranmoor Skeet Club and a lifetime member of the Post 9 – WR American Legion. He was also a member of the United Methodist Church in Port Edwards, WI.

He is predeceased by his parents, baby sister Rose Marie, brother Merlin (Chippy) Johnson, sister Lovina Amidon, and beloved son Steve Johnson.

The family would like to express our deep thanks to St Croix hospice for their care in his last days, Home Instead for their care over these last months, and family and friends who supported and encouraged us with their love.

Donations may be sent to the Port Edwards United Methodist Church in Port Edwards, WI or to the charity of your choice.

UPDATE!!
A CELEBRATION OF GAYLORD'S LIFE WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2024 AT 2:00 P.M. AT PORT EDWARDS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 411 WISCONSIN RIVER DRIVE. PORT EDWARDS WI 54469