Charles Sid Johnson

Charles 'Sid' Johnson, 93, of Viroqua died, January 25, 2012. Charles (Sid) Johnson, 93, of Viroqua died, January 25, 2012 at Vernon Manor. Sid was born February13, 1918, to Hans Christian and Thea (Amundson) Johnson of Hixton, WI. He was a graduate of the class of 1936 from Hixton High School. He then went on to school at La Crosse State Teacher's College. In August of 1940 he joined the Marine Corps and became a part of the 2nd Marine Division serving in the South Pacific. He received his commission while on American Samoa, and saw combat duty at Guadalcanal. He was released from active duty in January of 1946 with the rank of Captain. As commanding Officer of the La Crosse Marine Reserve Unit in 1955, he brought the 'Toys for Tots' program to our area. This was later turned over to the La Crosse Jaycees when the Reserve unit was disbanded. Sid married his dancing partner, Frances Knutson, on January 12, 1944. They lived in Madison, WI while he attended the Wisconsin School of Pharmacy receiving his pharmacy degree in 1949. It was there that he met his future boss and lifetime friend, Chuck Dahl, whom he worked with for over 40 years. While in school he was president of Rho Chi, a national honorary pharmaceutical society. He was a member of the Viroqua United Methodist Church, a charter member of the Coulee Region Pharmaceutical Association, the VFW, Eagles, the La Crosse Rifle Club, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress and the Pharmacy Internship Board. His interests were in hunting, fishing, conservation and high power rifle competitive shooting. Charles was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, his parents, and two sisters, Thelma Laing and Pauline Johnson. He is survived by his daughter, Barbara (Danny) Casper of Viroqua, two grandsons, Adam and Jay Casper and one great-grandson, Brayden Casper. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 30, 2012 at Viroqua United Methodist Church. Pastor Ethan Larson will officiate with burial in the Viroqua Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers and plants memorials may be made to Viroqua United Methodist Church or Vernon Manor Nursing Home.