Doug Johnson, Sr., 83

Doug Johnson, Sr., age 83 of Bowler, passed away on Monday, March 19, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

He was born on July 6, 1934 in Peshtigo, the son of the late Edward and Lucinda (Long) Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Janet (Marten), whom he married on May 21, 1955, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in the town of Almon. Doug served his country in the US Airforce from 1953 - 1957, where he participated in an air-sea rescue squad in Greenland during the Korean War. His work included heavy machinery operating and building construction. He had a great love of horses all of his life. He got his first horse at age 10, and was a member of the Triple W Saddle Club in Peshtigo. He and his wife loved dancing, especially square dancing as part of the Wausau and Shawano clubs, and later country line dancing. He was a former commander and member of the Bowler American Legion.

Survivors include his wife, Janet; one son, Douglas (Kathy) Johnson, Jr., Eland; five grandchildren, Brandia (Jamie) Kutchek, Neenah, Richard (Rachele) Wamboldt, Eland, Anthony (Amanda) Wamboldt, Wausau, Lychelle (Cody) Miller, Gresham, and Douglas (Laura) Johnson III, Rhinelander; 10 great-grandchildren, Lorelei and Katia Kutchek, Corryn, Ellie, Cabela and Archer Wamboldt, Leon and Delylah Miller, and Evelyn and William Johnson; two sisters, Geraldine Trepanier, Pulaski, and Janet Klaver, Porterfield; special nephew, Mark (Patty Jo) Johnson, many other nieces and nephews; two sisters-in-law, Marcia (Bruce) Felts, Shawano, and Mary Ann Marten, Stevens Point.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Candace Wamboldt; his siblings, Edward (Betty) Johnson, Jr. and Donna Vista; his brothers-in-law, Franklin Trepanier, Jerry Klaver, Lester A. Martin, Jr., and Floyd (Mavis) Marten.

Funeral service will be held at high noon (12:00 p.m.) on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Bowler. Rev. Michael Schram will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, town of Almon, where military honors will be conducted. Visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of service on Saturday at the church. Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memories and online condolences may be given at schmidtschulta.com or on Facebook at Schmidt & Schulta.

The family would like to thank the doctors and all of the staff of Aspirus Wausau Hospital for their care during these final weeks. They also would like to acknowledge neighbors Janice Grosskropf, Nancy Dionne, and also Rick Wamboldt Sr. for their help with transportation to doctor appointments. Per Doug's request, please dress casual or in blue jeans to his funeral in his memory.