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Dale Johnson
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BRODHEAD - Dale Johnson, age 96, passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at his home in Brodhead, Wisconsin. He was born November 29, 1911 in Richland Center, Wisconsin, to Clifford and Eva (Ray) Johnson. Dale married his schoolmate, Violet Fritz, on August 7, 1935. They recently celebrated 73 years of wonderful marriage.

Dale always had a job but found time during high school and after graduation to participate in sports. He played football, basketball (talked about playing guard at the 1930 state tournament) and his favorite, baseball. He played third base for the Richland Center City Team and said he batted against Satchel Paige, the ageless pitcher of Negro league fame.

Dale dedicated 45 years of his life to serving in municipal utility work, first in Richland Center and the last 27 years as superintendent of Brodhead Water and Light Utilities. He was a working superintendent who worked side by side with his men. Regardless of time, day or night, stormy weather or fair, Dale was ready to work whether at the power plant, Decatur Dam, the race or at the top of a power pole. His well-earned retirement came in 1973.

After retirement, Dale was able to spend more time on his favorite pastime - fishing. Until recently people would often see him with his pole by the race, headgates or along the Sugar River. Of course, he had to pass his skills on to his grandchildren and his four great-grandchildren. All of them came each year to see grandpa and fish at his favorite spots.

During WWII, Dale joined the Navy and served as an electrician in the Pacific Theater aboard the USS Burias. Dale was very proud of his service. He was a member of the American Legion and served on the honor guard until this year. He marched in Memorial Day parades until he was 94. Dale was also a member of the Brodhead Historical Society and a past member of the Decatur Lake Country Club. Dale and Violet have been affiliated with the Congregational United Church of Christ.

Dale is survived by his wife, Violet; one daughter, Sonya (Roger) Wichelt of Manassas, Virginia; one grandson, Steven (Cynthia) Wichelt of Manassas Park, Virginia; one granddaughter, Vicki (Russell) Topping of Chantilly, Virginia; four great-grandchildren: Hunter and Brielle Wichelt and Christopher and David Topping; one sister, Helen Sutherland of Richland Center; one brother, Floyd of Clearwater, Florida; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Buford of Alma, Wisconsin and John of Richland Center.

Graveside services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, September 29, 2008 at Greenwood Cemetery, Brodhead, with Rev. R. Tiffany Bates officiating. A luncheon will follow at the Congregational United Church of Christ, Brodhead. The D.L. NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, Brodhead, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Congregational United Church of Christ in Brodhead or Monroe Clinic Hospice.