Gerald "Jerry" Johnson

Gerald “Jerry” Johnson passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, February 21, 2015. Jerry was born on June 17, 1932 to Clarence and Florence (Collard) Johnson. On September 11, 1954, he married his high school sweetheart Carol Lange and they enjoyed over 60 years of marriage. He was a 1950 graduate of Denmark High School, where he excelled in football. After high school he continued playing football briefly at Dana College in Blair, Nebraska. He served his country in the Unites States Army during the Korean War. In 1957 he graduated from barber school and worked side by side with his father cutting hair at Johnson’s Barber Shop until his retirement. Missing “barber shop talk” he helped out part time at Dave’s Home Town Barber Shop in Denmark and Russ’ Barber Shop in Green Bay after his retirement. Family was important to Jerry, especially the holiday gatherings. Jerry loved the outdoors; he and Carol spent as much time as possible “up north.” He enjoyed woodworking and always had some project in mind. He also relished time on the golf course with his buddies Warren, Karl and Del. He was an active member of the Denmark Lions Club, where he received its highest honor, the Melvin Jones Award. He is survived by his loving wife Carol, Daughters: Jeri Ann (Harvey) Shusta of Tampa, FL, Jill Niedzwicki of Chicago, IL, Jennifer (Gary) Stromberg of Asheville, NC; daughter-in-law: Sue Johnson; grandchildren: Nicole (John) Nutting, Matthew Shusta, Alex Aulik and Owen Johnson; great-granddaughter Alexa Nutting as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by a son, Charlie; an infant son, Gerald; his parents, his in-laws Ben and Emma Lange; a sister and brother-in-law Betty Lou (Herbert) Bonfigt; Carol’s siblings: Iona (Ben) Froelich, Hazel (Harry) Brandenberg, Harriet Villwock and Warren (Janet) Lange. Family and friends may visit at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Denmark, on Tuesday, February 24, from 9:00am until the time of service at 11:00am with the Rev. Andrew Zoerb officiating. Cotter Funeral Home and Crematory of Denmark is assisting the family. Online condolences at www.cotterfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Denmark Lion’s Club or Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Denmark. A huge thank you to Melody and Tony Urban and JoAnn and Gary Roberts for your everlasting support and generosity during Jerry’s illness and always. Thank you also to our special friends for your love, support and prayers; to Betsy and David Frye and the staff at Angels on Arcadian, the nursing staff at Odd Fellow Home and to AseraCare Hospice- you are all truly angels and we will be forever grateful. Also, thank you to Pastor Andy and Pastor Mike for their visits and prayers.