CHESTER JOHNSON

CHESTER JOHNSON

     Chester Johnson, 90, of Neillsville died Nov. 10, 2023, at his residence. He had been in declining health this past year and was under the care of VA Home Based Primary Care and St Croix Hospice.

     Chester Leon Johnson was born June 18, 1933, in the town of Eaton, Clark County, WI, son of Leo T. and Tressa (Roum) Johnson and brother to nine siblings. He attended Greenwood and Loyal rural schools while working at several farms as a youngster and many years for Dan and Sylvia Boh in Willard. In his late teens, he was employed by Kurt Marg Fur Foods in Neillsville. He served in the U.S. Army, spending time in Arkansas, Colorado, Virginia and Iceland. Chet’s last 37 years of employment were at Nelson Industries in Neillsville, retiring in 1994. 

     He married Irma Spangler Oct. 24, 1956. They had three children, Tom (Carrie) Johnson, Neillsville, Sharee (Steve Karklins) Johnson, Winton, MN, and Dan (Jandy) Johnson, Fayetteville, OH, and now, four grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

     When the children were young, there were many family camping trips and vacations, visiting 46 states and Canada. After Chet and Irma’s retirement, they spent 25 winter seasons at a retirement park in Texas. He enjoyed being outdoors, cooking maple syrup in the spring, making firewood, fishing, hunting, refinishing auction finds and recycling items into yard ornaments.

     He is survived by sisters Donna Brandt, Brenda Johnson and Helen (Don) Anderson; brother Carl Noah and sister-in-law Sheila Noah. 

     Preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, four brothers, Lloyd (Dolores), Allen (Marjorie), Lyall (Margaret) Johnson and Keith Noah; and a sister Linda (Clarence) Krause.

     At his request, there will be no services. 

     Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assiting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.