Norman R. Johnson of Scandinavia, passed away on Tuesday, November 25th, 2014 at Park Vista in Waupaca.
He was born on November 4, 1914 in the town of St. Lawrence, the sixth child of Martin I. and Serena (Knutson) Johnson. As a young man, he farmed with his father and later took over the family farm on Black Lake Road. Norman married Martha R. Aasen on April 5, 1942 in Iola, Wisconsin. She preceded him in death on June 1, 2007. Norman and Martha farmed until their retirement in 1977. In addition to farming, Norman was active on the town board, elected in 1947 and serving as town chairman for all but two of the next 37 years. Norman was a 4-H leader for 10 years and spent many years on the Church Council at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Iola. After retiring, Norman and Martha built a log home on a hill overlooking County Highway B. During retirement they enjoyed many vacations, traveling around the United States and also took a trip to Norway. Norman enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping all of his life. Together they continued “farming” with several large pumpkin patches and became well known for their annual fall produce sales at their roadside stand.
Norman is survived by: his three children, Miles of Waupaca; Alene (Paul) Lantz of Hazelhurst, Wisconsin; and Derva (William) Burke, Lansing, Iowa; eight grandchildren: Carl (Nikki) Johnson, William (Leigh Ann Foote) and Kelley Johnson; Brian, Tom (Michelle Gauer) and Serena (Peter Idzikowski) Burke; Karen (Ryan) Holt and Kristen (Robert) Reichenbach; six great-grandchildren: William, Sara, Wyatt and Ethan Johnson; Ingrid, Ina Holt and Rachel Foote. In addition to his parents and his wife, Norman was preceded in death by his brother Jesse, his sisters, Alice Olson, Hilma Olson, Mabel Johnson and Lucille Ackerman and daughter-in-law, Judie Johnson.
Funeral Service will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Iola, Wisconsin, at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 30th, with Reverend Dennis Olson officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday 4-7 p.m. at the Voie Funeral Home in Iola and on Sunday at the church from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Iola. Register Book and online condolences may be sent by visiting www.voiefuneralhome.com