PORTAGE - William E. Johnson, 98, of Portage, died Saturday, July 24, 2010, at Columbia Health Care Center in Wyocena.
William was born Feb. 13, 1912, the oldest son of Christian and Agnes Johnson. He owned and operated the Hillside Garage on Highway 51 (now county Highway CX) for many years. William also farmed for many years and continued with his repair shop for neighbors. Later he worked at Badger Ordnance. After retiring, he restored old engines, tractors and cars. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, playing violin and antique tractor-pulling.
He is survived by two sons, Jeffery (Kathy) and Daniel (Barb), both of rural Pardeeville; a sister, Ruby Masten of Portage; his grandchildren, Kimberly Gulbranson (fiancé, Jeff Tessman), Reiko McTier, Natalie (Steven) James and Matthew (Kimberly) Johnson; his great-grandchildren, Daniel, Katie, Maggie and Eddy Gulbranson, and Garet and Gavin McTier; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Christ and Agnes; his brother and sister-in-law, Elmer and Lucille Johnson; his sisters and brothers-in-laws, Annie and Lester "Heinie" Reif, and Laura and Ed Riley; and his brother-in-law, Clyde Masten Sr.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary Catholic Church in Portage, with Father Jim Murphy presiding. Burial will follow in St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery, Lewiston Township. Visitation will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, and Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Remington House in Pardeeville and Columbia Health Care Center in Wyocena for the excellent care given to William.
Posted in Obituaries on Sunday, July 25, 2010 11:45 pm Updated: 11:41 pm.
