Obituary
Kevin Lane Johnson
Kevin L Johnson, 65, of Onalaska, passed away surrounded by his loving family on February 8th, 2026, in his home. His celebration of life will be held on Thursday, February 19th, 2026, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm with memory sharing at 6:00pm at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St., Onalaska.
I am off to follow another trail, another stream, another river, and another hill to climb. You know how I love to fish and hunt, and I know fully at the end of this trail, I will find my eternal home where the fishing will be plentiful, and the turkeys gobbling.
Kevin was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Phillip Johnson and Anita (Haugland) Johnson on November 6th, 1960. He grew up on French Island where he loved the outdoors and loved the sport of fishing and hunting whether with his father, son, daughter, nephew, or any one of his many friends. That was his number one passion, and he was always trying to learn more about each sport he had interest in. He knew all the creeks in the tri-state area and the good stretches of stream, the river spots where the walleyes would bite, the hills and landscape where the turkeys would roost. If he took you to one of those secret spots you were only allowed to go there by yourself or with him. He enjoyed mentoring those who wanted to learn how to fly fish or turkey hunt, and he found great excitement when that first trout was caught, or turkey shot. Let us not forget the countless stories he had to tell.
In 1984 he met Geri Pratt who later became his wife on September 24th, 1988. They had two children, Justin and Katelyn. He loved his children and wanted to share with them the same values, respect, and love for the outdoors as he had, and to teach them to fish and hunt. Multiple family vacations were planned where either fishing or hunting could be an activity to enjoy. His children meant the world to him and when the grandchildren came, Roman and Ramsey, it was chance to do it all over again. What joy he had in watching them grow and giving them their first fishing poles and instruction on how to cast.
The other passion he had was being a Police Officer for the Onalaska Police Department. He loved being an officer and serving his community no matter what the situation. He would come home and say, “You never know what you are truly going to walk into.” Some of the calls were routine and other were intense adrenaline unimaginable situations that only other Police Officers could understand and relate. Kevin touched multiple lives and helped countless members of the community and specifically made the time to interact and listen to the children and young adults. He was an FTO (Field Training Officer) and took that part of his job very seriously. His fellow officers were like brothers and sisters to him, and he loved to be around them in the workplace or out in the community, enjoying countless phone conversations, garage meetings, and gatherings (parties!).
Kevin is survived by his wife Geri, son Justin Johnson and Tia (Rogers) grandchildren Roman and Ramsey. Daughter Katelyn Johnson and Andrew (Turnmire). His father Phillip Johnson, and sister Kerri and Roger Piazza, and multiple nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother Anita (Haugland) Johnson, maternal grandparents Aurther and Pearl (Retain) Haugland, and paternal grandparents Selmer and Mabel (Ferley) Johnson.
Thank you to Emplify by Gundersen Hospice Clinicians and RNs. Your help and kindness were greatly appreciated during the short time he needed your assistance.
officer Johnson was an incredible man serving his city for many years.he was a mentor to man,especially my son michael.he took him under his wings and taught him many things about fishing and turkey hunting.showed him places to hunt with success. always put others first.many thanks to him for being such a great human being. gone way to soon.deepest condolences to the family.i know he is up in heaven hunting ,fishing and having a beer.rip officer johnson.you will never be forgotten.
God speed KJ you will be sadly missed
Besides seeing Kevin in high school and graduating with him. I one time locked keys in my car at a kwik trip and Kevin was there and on duty so I asked him if he could help me. Not knowing for sure he could he did. Thanks again Kevin!
Kevin was a dear friend of mine in High School .I was very proud of him when he became a police officer!
My condolences to his father, wife and children. Hope he knew the Lord.
Would like to see you again in Heaven, Kevin.
my sincere condolences to Kevin’s family and friends. fly high my friend
My condolences to the Johnson family. May He rest in peace.
God’s speed Kevin R.I.P. My friend.
My condolences to Kevin’s family and friends. RIP Kevin.
RIP Kevin
So many great memories in the last 60 years: fishing on French Island spillway, painting apartments for your parents, fly fishing, spillway camp outs. Sad for the time we missed, but grateful we reconnected and will always cherish our last afternoon together sharing memories. Rest in peace my friend. Go #45 & 47! Joe Pehler and Cyndi
I am sorry for your loss; Kevin worked for my dad John Dlouhy as a police officer for many years and was a very nice and compassionate man. From all of the Dlouhy family are prayers are with you and your family.
Geri, Phillip and Family – It’s a beautiful obituary but a sad time. Sincere condolences to you and your family. May Kevin RIP! Love Gary Iverson & Linda Tanner
I grew up with the Johnson family. So sorry for your loss. love Terry K
I’ve known Kevin since I moved to French Island and started to go to Logan high. I remember him knocking on my window one early morning to go with him trout fishing for the first time. After that time we became best friends going trout fishing everywhere and pheasant hunting in Iowa with both our dogs through the years. I will always remember him as a great friend and hunting and fishing buddy. I’m going to miss him so much but I’ll see him in heaven someday.
I’ve known Kevin since high school. I remember him knocking on my window one early morning to go with him trout fishing for the first time. After that time we became best friends going trout fishing everywhere and pheasant hunting in Iowa with both our dogs through the years. I will always remember him as a great friend and hunting and fishing buddy. I’m going to miss him so much but I’ll see him in heaven someday.
rip 🙏 Kevin
I knew Kevin from when I worked at the KT Sunfish. We always had a great a conversation about hunting although even though I’m a great hunter I could always share in his enthusiasm. He just made you feel like “hey I bet I could do that”. I always enjoyed seeing him come into the store dressed in his camo because i knew he was out doing what he loved.
My condolences to his family. Kevin’s legacy will live on through you.
I need to amend the former comment; “Even Though I’m NOT a great
hunter …” I’m sure he would’ve laughed at that mistake.
So sorry to hear of Kevins passing. He was a great guy. His grandparents were our neighbors. Condolence to the entire Johnson family. RIP.
My condolences to Philip, Geri and family. Kevin sounds like an incredible man! The love of fishing and hunting grew up in my family as well. Karl and Clara Craddock were my parents. Kevin’s work as a police officer and community educator sounds like it truly fit his personality. Wishing you peace, wonderful memories and love always. Love and prayers for all!
It is with a heavy heart Geri (Johnson) that I send you my deepest sympathy for the passing of your dear partner in life!
Kevin always treated me with utmost respect every time we had the opportunity to visit.
I unfortunately have bronchitis and will not be in attendance this evening. But you will be in my thoughts and prayers🙏
I’m very sorry for your loss. Kevin was a wonderful man who loved his sweet family deeply. I always appreciated how he lived by his principles. It was a pleasure to visit with him in the garage or to meet on atrout stream. I’m sorry we never got the chance to fish for brookies in Labrador.