Gerald Theodore Johnson

Gerald T. Johnson, 90, of Medford, died Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Comforts of Home Assisted Living in Hudson.

He was born July 1, 1932 in Medford to Kearny and Sophie (Sperl) Johnson.  He grew up in Medford and Merrill.

Following high school, he joined the U.S. Army National Guard, serving from 1951-1954.

On June 20, 1964 Gerald married June K. Hodd in Abbotsford.  They resided in Medford where Gerald worked at the Medford Creamery, Harvey Co. and then Weather Shield.

Gerald was a lover of travel. In his post high school years before marrying, he did the majority of his travel but he and June went to many places as a family as well. He made it to all 50 states. His favorite trip was a cruise to Belize. 

In his younger days he spent a lot of his time with the Johnson family on lake Esadore and was an avid water skier. Later on, he purchased his own family cabin on lake Esadore. He always loved being near and enjoying scenic waters, and being in nature. He liked his little cabin to sit and watch the wildlife.  In the late 90’s, he and June became snowbirds, escaping the snow and cold to their small lake home in northern Florida.

He and June were also big polka dancing fans and followed the Don Frodl orchestra. They once even had the orchestra play on a pontoon boat on lake Esadore which drew quite a following of boats at the time.

He was very much a lover of antiques and especially antique cars. His pride and joy was a 1941 Studebaker. He and his brother Don even built a race car together.

Even though he had many other interests, Gerald’s passion was woodworking and stonework.  He was a lifetime artist and true craftsman. He took pride in each piece he made, mostly he liked to build tables from live edge boards, boats, ships, and clocks.  Family members have many cherished items he has crafted over the years.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, June of Medford; children, Darla (Mark) Weber of Medford, Wayne (Laura) Johnson of Harshaw, Laura (Daniel) Lang of Venice, FL; siblings, Laverne Johnson of New Berlin, Bonnie Wagner, Barb Metz, both of Medford; grandchildren, Sadie Keesy, Nicole (Tom) Thorson, Cody Lang; step-grandchildren, Ian (Kellie) Weber, Nathan (Mikaela) Weber, Nathan (Melanie) Myhre, Derek Procknow; great-grandchildren, Ailey and Amara Wulf, Brooklyn Thorson; step-great-grandchildren, Pacey, Silas, Kennedy and Emerson Weber; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Raymond, Donald and David Johnson.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, June 30, 2023 at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery with Fr. Michael Hayden officiating.  A celebration of Gerald and his brother David's life, will follow at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church Social Hall where a lunch will also be served.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.

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