Vernon Leroy Johnson, age 91, of Darlington, WI passed away Thursday, October 27, 2022 at Lafayette County Manor in Darlington. He was born June 30, 1931, on the Johnson Family Farm in Gratiot, WI, the son of William and Mamie (Engebretson) Johnson. Vernon graduated from Argyle High School in 1949. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Shirley Olson, on February 3, 1951 at Apple Grove Lutheran Church in rural Argyle. Shortly after their marriage, Vernon enlisted in the United States Navy. Vernon proudly served his country during the Korean War aboard the U.S.S. AJAX (AR-6) repair ship from 1951-1955. During his tour he was stationed in San Diego, CA. While in the Navy, Vernon spent much of his time in Yokosuka and Sasebo, Japan. Following an honorable discharge, in 1955, Vernon and Shirley moved back to Gratiot to begin farming on the Johnson Family Farms. For 35 years Vernon took pride in raising Angus cattle and selling registered Angus bulls. Along with his cattle, Vernon raised feeder pigs to sell. Many friends called him the “gentleman farmer.” It was well known that Vernon could work hard all day on the farm and never get his white t-shirt dirty. In the early 1990’s, Vernon and Shirley sold the family farm and moved to Gratiot. While living in Gratiot, Vernon enjoyed working at Black Hawk Elementary School as a custodian. Years later, they moved to Darlington where they lived at the Darlington Heights Apartments. After Shirley’s passing in 2014, Vernon continued to live in their apartment until he moved to the Lafayette Manor where he resided until his passing.
Vernon is survived by his two daughters: Jalaine (Robert) Ruegsegger of Darlington and Sheila (Jonathan) Carrington of Gratiot; and one sister-in-law: Ann (Wesley) Johnson of Oregon, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Shirley in 2014; and his brother: Wesley.
Vernon was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Darlington and the Gratiot and Darlington V.F.W. Posts. While he was a member of Wiota Lutheran Church he served on the Church Council and the West Wiota Cemetery Association for many years.
Family meant everything to Vernon. He always made sure his two daughters knew how proud he was of them. He cherished every minute he could spend with them and their husbands. Before Shirley’s death the two of them loved traveling the country together. Vernon also enjoyed the time he spent with his friends playing cards, snowmobiling, and enjoying a delicious Norwegian dinner. He will be sadly missed by his family and all who knew his kind and gentle soul.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at Grace Lutheran Church (1302 Clay St., Darlington) with Rev. Kate Kieckhafer officiating. Burial will be held in West Wiota Cemetery where military graveside rites will be accorded by Bates-O’Brien-Howe-Wiegel-Roelli American Legion Post #214 of Darlington. A visitation will be held Tuesday, November 1, 2022 from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Erickson Funeral Home (508 Main St., Darlington) and on Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. from 10:45 A.M. at the church.
A memorial fund has been established in Vernon’s name.
