Joseph “Joe” P. Johnson, age 75, of Ogema, Wis., passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022, at his home under the care of his family and Hope Hospice & Palliative Care. Joe was born in Tomahawk on July 16, 1947, to the late Albert and Wanda “Jane” (Fickel) Johnson. He was married to Dorene Ernst on Dec. 5, 1970, at the United Methodist Church in Tomahawk; she survives.
Joe was a lifelong resident of the Town of Spirit. He attended the Liberty School and was a 1965 graduate of the Rib Lake High School. Joe served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After the military, he returned to his hometown where he owned and operated the family farm for 30 years. He then proudly helped his sons at Johnson Brothers Forest Products and also worked for Magnuson Brothers Mink Ranch. Joe was a member of the Spirit American Legion Post 452 and was a former supervisor for the Town of Spirit. Farming was truly Joe’s passion and he enjoyed all aspects of it. The greatest joy was when he was taking the grandchildren on tractor rides, something that created smiles and precious memories for all. When not working or farming, Joe was playing cribbage or reading his collection of western books.
Survivors include his wife of over 51 years, Dorene Johnson, of Spirit, Wis.; two sons, Dean (Janalee) Johnson, also of Spirit, and Jason (Jenny) Johnson, of Brantwood, Wis.; one daughter, Jolene (Craig) Berger, of Ogema, Wis.; and one sister, Pearl (Ben) Kauer, of Rib Lake, Wis. He is further survived by his grandchildren, McKenna, DiLan, Brant, Tristin, Kaelyn, and Karsyn; his nieces and nephews, Jack, Neil, and Marijane; and his dog, Chevy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Jane; and his brother, Wayne.
Memorial services with military honors were held on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, at Generations Funeral Home, Tomahawk, at 1 p.m. Rev. Wayne Jahn officiated. The family received friends for visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of services at 1 p.m. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory assisted the family. You may view Joe’s obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.