Obituary
David C. Johnson
David C. Johnson, age 68, of Westby, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on May 29, 2021 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center.
David was born on April 23, 1953 to Harold and Colleen Johnson of Beloit, Wisconsin. He was a 1971 graduate of Beloit Memorial High School.
David discovered his creative abilities early in his youth, and was passionate about graphic art, photography, and video. These interests ultimately led him to a career as a producer-director in television and video production. David also had a keen appreciation for his family history and spent countless hours researching his family genealogy. After discovering his relation to the Civil War Brigadier General Edward Livingston Campbell, David traveled to Spotsylvania, Virginia and Trinidad, Colorado to document and share his unique connection to history. As a child of the 1960’s Space-Race, David developed an interest in the NASA space program, and enjoyed gazing at the space station, satellites, and meteors overhead at night. David also appreciated the many customs of his Norwegian and Scottish heritages, conservation of nature, and road racing motor sports. David was a man of Christian faith who loved his country and will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew him.
Survivors include his children Brian Johnson (Sara) and Colleen Johnson both of Chicago, Illinois; grandchildren Nora and Faye Johnson of Chicago, Illinois; former spouse Robyn McGill of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; brother Paul K. Johnson (Joan) of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; niece Emily Johnson (David Litman) of Brooklyn, New York; and nephew Matthew Johnson of Stoughton, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents and his faithful canine, Rex.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Mit Liebre German Shepherd Dog Rescue
Mail donations to:
MLGSDR
PO Box 376
Suamico, WI 54173
Brian, Colleen, Paul and Family, Your Murphy Family is beyond words with shock and grief. Our only consolation is that our dear Hardy does not need to endure this loss, but we are heartbroken for you. John Murphy and Family
I am so sorry for your loss. A wonderful friend. He will be missed.
Paul and family, would like to hug you, and hope this shock fades into strength.
I had the biggest crush on him as kids, and next, his brother.
❤
Thanks John. His service was absolutely beautiful yesterday in Chicago. It was so good to see everyone and share stories about Dave. It was truly a celebration of his life. Joan Johnson
I’m so sorry Paul. Anything we can do let me know.
My condolences to the entire Johnson family. I have had the privilege of being a friend of David’s for 66 years. I wish God would let Dave meet me at the gate when my time comes. God bless and keep in the palm of his hands.
Colleen and Brian we’re so sorry to hear about your dad. I loved working with him, he was a kind and thoughtful man.
Paul and family: I am sorry to hear of your loss. As you know I have known David for along time back to our band days..He and my brother Paul were the best of friends. They are together in heaven once again. I look forward to seeing them both one day myself. You and your family are in my prayers. John Shockley
Dave was a mentor to me and gave me my first job at Video Wisconsin. We worked together for many years. I will always remember his creativity, and love of photography. We were often asked if we were brothers. He will be missed.
We join many who are deeply saddened by this loss of a beautiful, kind, talented life. David is in good company, loved by God and a bright star belongs to him now. May God comfort his dear family and many friends.
Marilyn and Ken Shockley
It is so sad to hear of Dave’s passing. I worked with Dave for many years at Video Wisconsin. I’ll always remember him for his kindness, positive attitude, organization, and creativity. He will be greatly missed in and out of the business.
Oh, my gosh, I’m so very sorry to hear of the loss of such a kind human being. I had the privilege of working with Dave at Video Wisconsin and he was a creative director with a great passion for his craft. He and I worked on so many unique projects and always had a good laugh about some of the things we were tossed into doing. Being Irish I loved teasing him about his fear of mime’s…something I bet Brian and Colleen weren’t aware of until now. Dave lived a very fulfilled life albeit too short. Our condolences….
Paul and family–I was shocked to learn that David had passed away. As children, we lived across the street from your family. I remember spending time at your house visiting with your lovely parents. I am so sorry for your loss.
Dave was sort of a magnetic yet unassuming guy at Roosevelt Junior High School in Beloit Wi. Always standing there with that big smile on his face, no reason needed. As a manager for the track team I do recall him being very serious about the 220. He would be smokin around that dirt track. He won almost every race he ran and it was impressive.
The first time I had seen anybody that focused. Not sure how he did in HS track but he was all into Beloit Cable TV just starting up and went right into that. Same focus it seems. Wish we all had that coaching at an early age. His dad was a well regarded local athlete and a brother to Mary Hanaman of the Hanaman family. Jeff was his cousin. May they both be talking at that feast on the mountanside. Sort of like a track meet one of those sunny days. -Nick and Judy McCleary,
I first met Dave at the channel 6 Studios and we connected there later on when we were building video Wisconsin Dave came on board as a production manager and was without a doubt one of the building blocks to the success of 50 Wisconsin I’m sorry that’s video WisconsinDave was a great guy I value his friendship I value his professionalism all of her clients really like Dave I am so sorry for your loss
David and Robyn were our neighbors in Wauwatosa when the kids were born. Our boys ended up playing soccer together. David was one of the nicest and kindest guys I ever met. He always had a smile on his face. I am so sad for you Robyn, Brian and family, and Colleen.❤️?❤️
Our sympathy to your family. I would talk with your dad frequently when walking my dogs. He even gave us a ball that his dog had. He was excited about his new German Shepherd that he was working with. We will make a donation to the Rescue to honor his memory.