Obit: Johnson, Bernard Arthur (1923 - 2008)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Johnson, Brost, Blasius, Peterson, Quamstrom, Markowsky

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, Wood County, Wis.) Tuesday, 18 Nov. 2008

Johnson, Bernard Arthur (27 June 1923 - 12 Nov. 2008)

MEDFORD -- Bernard A. Johnson, 85, of Medford, died Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, at Dove Health Care Center in Eau Claire, where he had resided for the last two months.

A celebration of Bernie's life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 29, at Zion Lutheran Church, Colby. The visitation is from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., with a memorial service and dinner following.

Bernard Arthur Johnson was born June 27, 1923, in Ogema to Oscar and Myrtle (Peterson) Johnson. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, John Fred Quarnstrom in Ogema. Bernie graduated from Westboro High School in 1941. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and then later the Air Force. His marriage to Joyce Markovsky took place Aug. 10, 1946, in Minneapolis. A veteran of World War II, Bernie flew 25 missions over Nazi-occupied Europe as a ball turret gunner on a B17 aircraft. In 1948, he left the service as Staff Sergeant, after serving for seven years. After the service, Bernie worked in accounting and income tax in Michigan. In 1956, Bernie and Joyce moved back to Dorchester and were co-owners of Seidl's Tavern. They then moved to Colby where Bernie worked for Hull Town Mutual Insurance and later as credit manager for Rollohome in Marshfield until retirement.

Bernie was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Colby. His hobbies included gardening, hunting, playing cards and being with his family.

Bernie is survived by his sister, Myrle Blasius of Minneapolis; his two daughters, Sandra Johnson of Eau Claire and Vicky (James) Brost, Medford; and a son, David Johnson of Chippewa Falls. Bernie was the proud grandfather to five grandchildren, Lindsey and Tony Brost, Medford, Lucas, Brady and Calvin Johnson, Fall Creek.

In addition to his parents, Bernie is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; his brother, Everard; and sister, Dorothy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Zion Lutheran Church, Colby, or to the family for a Veterans Memorial.