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Wilma L. (Russell) Johnson
Wilma L. (Russell) Johnson

Wilma L. (Russell) Johnson, age 85 of Verona, WI passed away Sunday, October 6, 2019 at UW-Hospital in Madison, WI. She was born January 11, 1934 in Nodaway County, MO the daughter of Ottis and Evelyn (Rowley) Russell. Wilma graduated from high school and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of La-Crosse, Wisconsin. After graduating college, Wilma married the love of her life, Sylvester Johnson, on February 25, 1967 at Black Hawk Christian Church in Madison, WI. Wilma retired from teaching in the Madison Metropolitan School System in June of 1990.

Wilma is survived by her brother: Clarence Russell of Winona, MN; a brother-in-law: Howard Johnson of Monroe, WI, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Sylvester; three brothers: Donald, Kenneth, and Franklin Russell; and four sisters: Dorothy Plice, Charlotte Green, Lois Sargeant, and Mary Jane Russell.

Wilma loved teaching, and she loved learning. Wilma and Sylvester used their summers to travel and continue their education. They also traveled to further Wilma’s hobby of genealogy. Wilma was an artist and worked in several mediums, among them were painting, stained glass and sculpting. She began Small Wonders by Wil where she would turn a favorite photograph into sculpture.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at Erickson Funeral Home (801 Milwaukee St., Argyle) with Rev. Daniel L. Bohlman of Yellowstone/Argyle - Apple Grove Lutheran Churches officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. A visitation will be held Wednesday, October 23, 2019 from 9:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. at Erickson Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.

For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Wilma’s name.