MONROE — Ronald R. Johnson, a longtime Monroe resident, was recently honored by the Wisconsin Newspapers Association (WNA) Foundation for his involvement as a newspaper publisher. Johnson was honored at the WNA’s annual Memorial Pylon Ceremony in Eagle River. For the past 70 years, the WNA has recognized recently deceased Wisconsin Newspaper professionals.

Johnson (Sept. 1, 1939-May 17, 2022) was the former publisher of the Argyle Agenda, Monticello Agenda and Albany Agenda.

Johnson started his newspaper career as a paper carrier for the Rockford Morning Star in Dixon, Ill. at the age of 8. He continued that until he started high school. His best friend’s father worked for the Rockford paper, and both of his friend’s parents were born and raised in Monroe.

During high school and for a time after graduation, Johnson worked for the Dixon Evening Telegraph, primarily in their printing department. Later, he worked for a company that helped newspapers build circulation, working for Ohio, Missouri and Minnesota newspapers. He then worked in sales and circulation for the Freeport Journal Standard before joining The Monroe Evening Times. Following his employment with the Times, he worked for Colony Brands (Swiss Colony), supervising the photography, copy, and printing of the catalogs.

In 1974, he and his wife, Bev, purchased the Argyle Agenda and started weekly newspapers in Monticello and Albany. Following retirement from Alliant Energy’s in-house print shop, he worked part-time at the Times’ commercial print shop until its closing.

Johnson’s name has been engraved on one of the Pylons at the WNA Foundation’s Trees Retreat. A plaque was presented to the family in memory of his work with Wisconsin Newspapers.

Johnson loved the printed media, particularly weekly newspapers and printing, his family said. The family extended its heartfelt appreciation to the WNA Foundation for recognizing him and other publishers from throughout Wisconsin for the work they do to keep communities informed of local news and events.