William “Johnny” Johnson, 82
William “Johnny” Johnson age 82, of Stevens Point passed away Tuesday September 17, 2013 at the Stevens Point Care Center where he has resided the past 6 months.
A Celebration of Life service for William will be held on at noon on Friday at the Shuda Funeral Chapel in Stevens Point. Deacon Dick Rozumalski will officiate. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until the time of services Friday at the funeral chapel. Burial with full military honors will be performed at Guardian Angel Cemetery.
Johnny was born January 23, 1931 in Wiergate, TX, the son of Grover and Bertha (Napper) Johnson. After graduating high school Johnny enlisted in the United States Air Force on September 25, 1947 in Houston. He served his country as a Corporal and was discharged January 16, 1951 from Sewart Air Force Base in TN.
After his honorable discharge he began his career at Western Electric (now AT&T), he worked in Texas and in Wisconsin as a technician until his retirement in 1988. He earned his pilot license and enjoyed flying his Cessna. Johnny married the love of his life Edwina Walczak-Grote on October 22, 1988 in Texas. The couple settled in Stevens Point until moving to Wisconsin Rapids in 1992. The couple loved their retirement years on the river in Wisconsin Rapids. They enjoyed their winter trips to South Padre Island, TX, tending to large gardens, Telephone Pioneer outings, and entertaining friends at their home. In
June of 2007 the couple moved to Oakridge Senior Living where the staff treated them like family.
Johnny is survived by his family: Tom Grote, Atlanta, GA; Lori (Doug) Johnson, Wisconsin Rapids; Mike (Mendy) Grote, Stevens Point. Two grandchildren: Chace and Lexi Grote, Stevens Point. One brother-in-law Elmer (Mary Ann) Walczak, Stevens Point and sister-in-law Louise Sager. 2 brothers: Doyle (Barbara) Johnson, Galveston TX; and LaVert (Claire) Johnson, Abilene TX. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother: G.C. (Inez) Johnson and 2 sisters: Mary Wilson and Frances Johnson Ruiz.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com