Howard B Johnson

Howard B. Johnson, age 89 of Viroqua, died Tuesday, January 21, 2014. Howard B. Johnson, age 89 of Viroqua, died Tuesday, January 21, 2014. He was born on August 23, 1924 in LaCrosse to Charlie and Ragna (Blihovde) Johnson. He graduated from Westby High School and the University of Wisconsin- Madison. He served in the United States Air Force as a B-17 Bomber Pilot and was a POW in Germany for nine months. He worked for Boeing Aircraft in Seattle and eventually returned to our area where he worked as a sales rep for Armour Products. In 1962 he established Johnsons Soil Service which made fertilizers for local farmers. His company was eventually converted to lawn and garden fertilizer and was re-named Howard Johnsons Enterprises, Inc. with a nationwide distribution. Howard was active in the community and was proud to have re-established the Snowflake Ski Club after his return from WWII as Howard was a ski jumper in his youth. He and his wife established a scholarship program for the Westby High School for the senior graduates. Howard was an avid golfer and fly-fisherman and on one of his trips fishing out west, ABC Wide World of Sports requested to film him as he was fishing because of his excellent technique. Howard quietly helped many people and organizations within our community. He is survived by his daughter, Rachel and son, Mark (Alisa); two-step-grandchildren: Nathan and Tayna; two sisters: Anna Rae MacDonald and Catherine Schlicht; five nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends including his good friend Gary Campbell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Lorene on August 7, 2000 (They were married on January 27, 1951.); one sister Christine Anderson on December 8, 2008. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 24, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Westby. Pastor John Dumke will officiate with military rites to follow. The family would deeply appreciate donations to a charity of your choice in lieu of flowers or plants. The Vosseteig Funeral Homes are assisting the family.