Argene R. Johnson “Gene,” 75, peacefully passed away at his home in Danbury, Wisconsin, with his wife by his side.
Gene was the first baby born in the new year at Frederic Hospital, on Jan. 4, 1949, to William C. and Esther H. (Zillmer) Johnson. Gene spent the first four and a half years of his education at Lone Pine School, attended Danbury Elementary for one year, and spent the remaining years at Webster, graduating in 1967. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Superior with honors, with a major in Biology and a minor in Geology.
After graduating from college, Gene went straight into construction work. He spent one year in Florida working before returning to Wisconsin to start a business, PA Inc., with Harris Hills, installing public water systems. They sold the business in the mid ‘80s and Gene went to work building bridges throughout the Midwest area, primarily in the Twin Cities area, retiring from the Carpenter’s Union in 2004.
Gene grew up on the family farm where he learned many skills from his dad that would carry him forward in life. He could fix or build just about anything, and you often would find family or friends stopping by to ask for his advice.
Gene always embraced life. He will be forever remembered by those who knew him for his infectious laugh. It was a very hearty, boisterous laugh that came from his soul, and everyone loved it! He enjoyed the outdoors, spending his younger years trapping anything from muskrats to beavers and even skunks! One cannot put into words his love of deer hunting and fishing. He lived for each season and shared many stories over the years of his experience with his family and friends.
He met his wife, Kim Heath, in 1987, where his life took a 180-degree change. He went from being a single, independent man to jumping into a full-time relationship and taking on the role of a father figure to Kim’s four children. They dated for 14 years before tying the knot in July, 2001. They had a life that was a whirlwind of experiences, leaving his family with many memories to treasure forever.
Gene was preceeded in death by his parents, William C. Johnson and Esther H. Johnson; brother, James K. Johnson; sister-in-law, Beverly A. Johnson; and stepdaughter, Billie Jo Geisler.
He will be greatly missed by those he left behind, his wife, Kim; stepchildren, Miki (Russ) Messer, Jody Koerper, Jake (Jamie) Geisler; brother, Dale (Marlys) Johnson; his grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Kaleb) Hill, Austin Moser, Winter Messer, Katie, Hannah and Grace Koerper, Chase Cadotte, Joely and Jorgia Geisler and Jace McMullin; nieces, Pam (Kevin) O’Brien, Susan (Mark) Doriott; nephews, Kevin (Ellen) Johnson and Brent (Rachel) Johnson; along with many other family members and friends.
A service will be held on Wednesday, June 19, at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Webster, at 3 p.m. (Visitation 1– 3 p.m.) with a Celebration of Life following the service at Whitetail Wilderness Bar and Grill, Webster.
Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at swedberg-taylor.com.
