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Obituary

Lonnie James Johnson

April 14, 2017 | 27 comments

Lonnie James Johnson, 75, of Onalaska, Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2017, at the Hillview Healthcare Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

He was born in Strawberry Point, Iowa on October 28, 1941.  He grew up in Iowa but lived most of his adult life in Wisconsin.  After graduating from Rockford High School in 1960, he served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1966. Although he had various jobs over the years, he was driving school bus for the Holmen School District when he retired. His smile, infectious laughter, and caring way were the perfect fit for this position and it was always a joy to see the many drawings, cards and gifts he received from the children and their families displayed in his home with pride.

Lonnie was a very social person who was always willing to lend a helping hand to a friend, family member or stranger.  He enjoyed reading, playing cards, fishing, and learning all he could about Reiki and spiritual healing.  But most of all he loved people and sharing his time, laughter, and unique personality with those who opened their hearts to him.

Lonnie is survived by his children; Troy (Dee) Johnson, Lisa (Jerry) Ewert, Angela (Bryan) Adams, and Paul (Shawna) Johnson;  three grandchildren, Michael Ewert, Cassandra Johnson, and Kaci Johnson; and two great grandchildren, Destiny Ewert and Niomi Johnson; his brother Jerald (Marie) Johnson, sister Evelyn Mattison; and many beloved nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by Joan Shawley, the mother of his four children as well as Janelle Parcher, Jackie Millette, and Jennifer Myhre who played a unique and loving role in his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Ruth Johnson; and great grandchildren Paiton and Phoenix Johnson.

Please join us in celebrating Lonnie’s life with stories, laughter, love and food (sandwiches, salads, coffee, etc.). The celebration will be on Friday, April 21, 2017 from 3 to 7 PM at the Onalaska American Legion.  A service will be held at 3:30 PM.

Lonnie’s family wishes to express a special thank you to nurses and staff at Hillview Healthcare Center as well as Gundersen Lutheran Hospice for the care they gave him and the support they provided us.

Condolences

27 Comments

  1. David Schwabenbauer

    Lonnie was my sponsor. The right man to lead me through troubled times. It’s been so many years since I left Wisconsin and this past weekend I wondered how he was doing for some reason. Tonight I seen the obituary and feel sadness that I was not able to once again express my gratitude for all he did for me. My deepest sympathy to the family.

    • Lisa (Johnson) Ewert

      Thank you for leaving your kind thoughts. I am glad that dad had a positive influence in your life.

    • Angela(Johnson) Adams

      Thank you for your kind words. Is this David (Superman)? If so you have been on my mind also. We have been going through pictures and have found a few of you.

    • Lisa (Johnson) Ewert

      As Angela said, If this is the David who’s nickname was Superman, we would love to reconnect with you. Please reach out to us. My email is lisajewert@gmail.com. Thank you!

  2. Brenda Peterson

    Deepest sympathy to all of Lonnie’s family and friends. He was such a blessing in my life. I will treasure memories of him always.

    • Lisa (Johnson) Ewert

      Thank you Brenda.

  3. Vickie & Chuck French. From Michigan

    Shawna & Paul We would like to send our condolences. May the love in your hearts and the memories left behind help you through this difficult time. Prayers to the family.

    • Lisa (Johnson) Ewert

      Thank you Vickie and Chuck.

    • Shawna Johnson

      Thank you Vickie and Chuck for your kind and thoughtfully words.

  4. Charolette L Chambers

    So very sorry for your loss God bless and be with you

    • Lisa (Johnson) Ewert

      Thank you Charolette.

  5. Paulette Johnson

    Lonnie and I were hired the same time at the school district, so I got the chance to work with him until he retired. Some of the school trips we took together were a real adventure. He is truly one of a kind. He could put a smile on your face no matter your mood.His willingness to help others was unconditional. You could walk up to his bus at any elementary and a student would most likely be on his lap telling about their day, you knew he loved his job and they loved him. Always quick with humor and a smile and a hug to follow it up. It was always fun to run into him and hear about what he was up to, always doing something. Rest in peace Lonnie, remember when we all were asked if we knew where DeBauche was and you answered…. is that a trick question? Never going to forget it or you!!! Later.

    • Lisa (Johnson) Ewert

      Thank you Paulette. It is always comforting to see positive memories about my dad shared.

  6. Jeanne Bina

    Wishing you all my deepest sympathy at the loss of a great man and human being! He was such a loving and caring man! His memory will be cherished for many many years to come!
    I personally feel blessed that Lonnie was a part of my life, if only for a few short years! We would have some very deep and personal conversations, that made me feel very close to him! I thank God that Lonnie Johnson shared at least a little part of his life with me!

    • Lisa (Johnson) Ewert

      Thank you Jeanne! I am grateful that you were a part of his life as well.

    • Angela(Johnson) Adams

      Thank you Jeanne <3

  7. Jolene Renda

    My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. It was truly an honor to care for your
    father. Your family has done a terrific job in providing support to your father in the last 6 months; that is truly a gift you gave your father.

    • Lisa (Johnson) Ewert

      Thank you Jolene for the kind thoughts and for helping us support our dad through a difficult time.

  8. Patricia David

    I only knew Lonnie on Facebook but we chatted a bit on messenger. I knew right way he was a kind and loving soul. Such gracious person with his words and comical words.
    May you Rest In Peace Lonnie, I will miss you.

    • Lisa (Johnson) Ewert

      Thank you Patricia.

  9. JANINE SKEMP

    I will miss Lonnie’s wonderful sense of humor, his gentle soul and his friendship. Rest in peace, big guy. I will miss you.

    • Lisa (Johnson) Ewert

      Thank you Janine.

  10. Bonnie Harmes. . ( Scott mom)

    Angela sorry to hear about your dad. Take care

    • Angela(Johnson) Adams

      Thank you so much Bonnie, I appreciate it.

  11. patrick

    We would like to send our condolences ,Lisa, for u and your whole family, a big hug ,and take all the good memories with u about him , stay strong.
    Lonnie, u go not more answer a message in Facebook but thanks that i had meet u. U was a great men. Rest in peace !

    Patrick , Ann and childeren.

    • Lisa (Johnson) Ewert

      Thank you Patrick for leaving your kinds thoughts. Our family appreciates it very much.

  12. Angela(Johnson) Adams

    I want to thank each and everyone here for their memories and their condolences. It is so very much appreciated. His presence in my life is going to be sorely missed.

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