Walter Johnson

Walter Johnson, age 74 of Westby, died Saturday, September 26, 2009. Walter D. Johnson, age 74 of Westby, died Saturday, September 26, 2009 at his home. He was born on August 19, 1935 in Cashton, to Jalmer and Cora (Brettingen) Johnson. He attended Clockmaker school and graduated from Westby High School in 1953 and on August 4, 1956 was united in marriage to Janet Burke at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in LaCrosse. They lived a short time in Rockford, Il, returning home to farm for Bernie Stefferud. In 1960 they bought the Saugstad farm on which their son Jerry farms. Walter was a member of: The Westby Rod and Gun Club, Eagles, Sons of Norway, Coulee Antique Engine Club, Heartland Co-op, Vernon DHIA, Westby Co-op Creamery, Vernon Electric and was a charter member of the Coulee Track and Trail Snowmobile Club (formerly known as the Westby Coon Valley Snowmobile Club) and was past president of the Vernon Co-op Oil. Walter was a former member of Tri-State Breeders. He enjoyed the Wednesday Morning Bible Study. Farming was his passion and hobby. He was especially proud of his family and grandchildren and their accomplishments. In addition to his wife, Janet, Walter is survived by his sons: David Alan Johnson, Rodney Duane Johnson (Wendy), and Gerald Karl Johnson (Patty), all of Westby; daughter-in-law, Gloria Johnson; 'special daughter' Karri Bjornstad; five grandchildren: Derek Johnson of St. Paul, MN, Heather Johnson of Westby, Megan, Hannah, and Kyle Johnson of Westby; one brother, Robert I. (Bertha) Johnson of Westby; sister-in-law, Rachel (Richard) Staats of Onalaska; many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorials are preferred to Vernon Memorial Hospice House, Westby First Responders or the Moen Church. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel "Moen" Lutheran Church, rural Cashton. Pastor Tim Johnston will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. Friends may call on Monday from 5 to 8p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Hwy 14 in Westby. Friends may also call at the church on Tuesday after 10 a.m. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.