Obit: Johnson, Leonard W. (1916 - 2011)

Contact: bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Bahls, Carini, Ecklund, Emmerich, Johnson, Schmidt, Stevens, Storm, Thompson

----Source: The Star News (Medford, Taylor Co., Wisconsin) Thursday, February 24, 2011, online edition

Johnson, Leonard W. (February 25, 1916 - February 14, 2011)

Leonard W. Johnson, 94, died on Monday, Feb. 14 at his Wautoma home, under the care of his family and hospice, after a year-long battle with cancer.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, Feb. 25, (on what would have been his 95th birthday), at 2 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Hancock. Pastor Dale Bahls will be officiating.

A graveside service and inurnment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Medford at a later date.

Leonard was born on February 25, 1916 in the Town of Hammel to the late August and Sophia (Storm) Johnson. He received his education at Meadowbrook School in Taylor County. He worked on the family dairy farm as well as other farms and logging camps throughout northern Wisconsin.

He raised his family in Milwaukee and upon retirement from Appleton Electric Company in 1980, he returned to the Medford area for 26 years where he enjoyed hobby farming, raising a variety of animals for food and fun. He enjoyed gardening, wood cutting, horses, cars and tractors. He had a great sense of humor and a heart for his Medford family, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He continued to enjoy spending time outdoors and cutting wood up until the time of his death.

Survivors include sons, James (Cindy) of Bella Vista, Ark., and David (Lori) of Wautoma; daughters, Carol (Al) Schmidt of Berlin and Mary Stevens of Sitka, Alaska; loving sister, Ellen Emmerich of Medford; younger brother, Edward of Medford; four grandchildren, Michelle (Angelo) Carini, Adam (Shannon), Amanda and Aaron; four great-grandchildren, Marco, Mia, Giovanni and Haley; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Victor, John and Albert (Rob), and two sisters, Elsie Thompson and Eda Ecklund.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in his name be sent to Hospice Hope at 745 South St., Green Lake, Wis. 54941 in gratitude for their compassionate care.

The Leikness Funeral Home in Wautoma assisted the family with arrangements.