Bio: Johnson, Harry – Greenwood Citizen Award (2021)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Johnson

Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, WI) 22 Sep 2021

In a normal year, the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce would have bestowed its Citizen of the Year honor at its annual banquet in spring. Thanks to COVID-19, 2021 has been anything but normal.

The Chamber did finally name Harry Johnson as its year’s citizen honoree, announcing it during the Sept. 11 End of Summer Fest parade. A long-time American Legion leader and active community member, Johnson marched with veterans early in the parade, then hopped in a convertible for recognition as the Chamber’s Citizen of the Year.

Born on Feb. 27, 1941, to Leonard and Lois Johnson as their fourth of five children, Harry grew up enjoying what the community had to offer. He graduated from Greenwood High School in 1959, then went on to serve his country in the Army from 1963-65, He was stationed in Korea on the DMZ for 17 months.

After the Army, Harry returned to Greenwood to start his career and family. His first service for the community was by working at Clark Electric Cooperative, beginning as a lineman apprentice and retiring after 39 years in 2004 as line superintendent.

For more than 50 years, Harry has continued his service by being active with the American Legion -- you can often see him at the Friday Fish Fry slinging drinks, but his true dedication has been over the years helping organize the Badger Boys State applications, heading the drill team and representing the Greenwood Legion at parades and festivals. One of the greatest moments for him was being able to participate in the Freedom Honor Flight from La Crosse to Washington, D.C. with all of his brothers and a special close friend.

Harry has shared his array of talents with the community from being a part of the Clark County Male Chorus for more than 50 years and still singing with them today, to having played city league baseball for several years after he was first married and then playing slow-pitch softball in the Greenwood and Willard area leagues. After he turned 65, Harry enjoyed playing senior softball for many years on the traveling tournament team. In 2007, he was named the “Best Defensive Player” at the North American National Championships in Dalton, Ga.

Harry has received many awards and honors in his life. During his years of dedication to the Greenwood Lions Club, he received the Melvin Jones Fellow award and held most officer positions. He also spent time coordinating umpires for the local Little League and 4-H softball tournaments and also cooking out for them. Harry has also helped with community events from the 4th of July fireworks to the Dairy Days parades.

Harry still serves as an usher at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, watching his grandkids at sporting events or just watching any and all high school sports and activities in general. He also enjoys hunting and making maple syrup in the spring.

Harry has been married to Eleanor for 53 years and they have four children -- Scott, Lisa, Kristin, and Sara -- 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.