Johnson, Paul

Paul David Johnson, age 59, of Rhinelander, passed away October 11, 2010, after a four-year battle with cancer. Paul was born on May 19, 1951, in Waupaca, WI. He graduated Waupaca High School (1969) and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1973) as an Evans Scholar earning a degree in math education. He attended optometry school at Pacific University in Portland, OR. Paul married his best friend and soul mate, Peggy (Averill), in 1974. Together, they lovingly raised three children. He had an adventurous spirit and moved his family to live in the Canadian Parklands in Red Deer, Alberta for six years after graduating optometry school. In Canada, Paul proudly helped establish Camp Alexo, a youth camp for Big Brothers/Big Sisters. He settled in Rhinelander in 1986 and practiced optometry in a private practice, with the Rhinelander Medical Group and, most recently, the Eye Clinic of Wisconsin. His life was centered on family, hunting, and sports. He coached several of his children’s sports teams, had a passion for upland hunting and his dogs, and cherished his wife to the day he died. Paul was very active in the Rhinelander community. He served on the board and as President of the Rhinelander Ice Association, was a long-term member and past President of Kiwanis, and was active on his church counsel. He is survived by his loving wife, Peggy; his children, Eric (Valerie), Kristi (T.J.) Estabrook, and Brian; his four siblings, Keith, Jim (Sandy), Nancy Kubenick, Tom (Susan) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Alton and Viola, of Waupaca. An evening visitation was held on Friday, October 15 from 4-6 PM at Hildebrand – Russ Funeral Home in Rhinelander. A memorial service was held at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church on Saturday, October 16 at 11 AM with a pre-service visitation starting at 10 AM. Memorials will be accepted by the family and donated to Paul’s favorite charities, Evans Scholars Foundation and Ruffed Grouse Society. Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home, 715-365-4343 is assisting the family with arrangements. All are invited to sign Paul’s guestbook at hildebrandfh.com.