Ronald Lee Johnson, age 75, of Browntown passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at his home. He was born the son of Harold and Charlotte (Olson) Johnson on April 21, 1949 at St. Clare Hospital in Monroe. He attended Grove one-room School for his elementary years, and was a 1967 graduate of South Wayne High School; the last year they were the Spartans. Ron was united in marriage to Helen M. McKibben on February 25, 1978 at the Darlington United Methodist Church.
Ron proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War; he was stationed in Danang, Vietnam where he served as a Crew Chief working on F-4 Fighter Jets and earned the rank of Sargent. When he returned from service, he was hired by Joseph Huber at the Huber Brewing Company (now known as Minhas Craft Brewing) where he dedicated 50 years, 9 months, and 20 days as a label operator, although he also knew how to do most of the other positions throughout the plant. He was forced into retirement after complications from Agent Orange-lung cancer. He held the longest membership of Teamster Union 744; he was also a member of Teamster Union 703, and United Brewery, Cereal, Soft Drinks and Distillery Workers of America. Over the years he worked for Foxy Tree Service as well. He also enjoyed helping on the Johnson family farm driving tractors, and helping the entire family cut wood. Ron volunteered his time to his community serving the Browntown Fire Rescue for 17 years. In his free-time, he enjoyed playing cards especially euchre. He was an avid Badger football and Green Bay Packer fan; he also loved deer hunting and fishing. Ron was a lifelong member of Jordan Lutheran Church where he was baptized, confirmed, and still attended. He will be remembered for his impeccable memory, strong work ethic, and fun-loving nature when he was around family and friends.
Ron is survived by his wife of 46 years, Helen of Browntown; children, Heather (Ken) Henningsen, Jr. of Monroe, Jeffery Johnson of Monticello, and Jennifer Johnson (Scott Aebly) of Monroe; grandchildren, Trinity Kieler, Lucas Graham, Hope Broge, and Kailyn Baker; siblings, Vicki (Mike) Kundert of Monroe, Darwin Johnson, Don Johnson both of Browntown, and Dave (Kay) Johnson of Monroe; sister-in-law, Terry Johnson of Albany; brothers-in-law, Randy (Kim) McKibben, Charles McKibben, and Gary (Laurie Peterson) McKibben; dear friends, Mike and Susan Schwitz; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Gloria (Bob) Montgomery; maternal grandparents, Charlie and Elsie (Komprood) Olson; paternal grandparents, Carl and Awilda (Melland) Johnson; and several brothers and sisters-in-law.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Jordan Lutheran Church with Pastor Greg Douthwaite officiating. Burial will follow service in Jordan Lutheran Cemetery with military honors.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024 at SHRINER HAGER GOHLKE Funeral Home from 4:00-7:00PM. Continued visitation will be held on Saturday, at the church, from 10:00AM until the time of service.
Ron’s family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital and Clinic in Madison, Dr. Bruce and the nurses on the 3rd and 4th floors; as well as Maxim Healthcare. His family also extends their deepest gratitude to Clayton and Chris at the Green County Veteran’s Affairs, Browntown Fire Rescue, Green County EMS, Green Count Sheriff’s Dept., Pastor Greg Douthwaite of Jordan Lutheran Church, and Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home for their compassionate care during this difficult time.
