Douglas Johnson

Douglas F. Johnson, 63, Wausau, passed away March 4, 2012 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Doug was born November 13, 1948, son of the late Dr. Francis C. and Eleanor F. Johnson. He graduated from Wausau Senior High School in 1966 where he enjoyed writing for the Sky Rocket school paper, intramural sports, namely bowling, and the debate team. Doug graduated from the University of California at Berkeley and from "a Junior Year in New York University" with courses in literature and creative writing. His secondary interest was in music and the Top Hatters; and he helped organize the Wausau Inter-College State Band during summer breaks form college.

Doug married Karen Brokaw on March 12, 1977 and the had two children Amanda Hoffman, Chicago; and Kelly Johnson, San Francisco. He and Karen divorced in 1986, and he later married Susan Lynn Shepherd.

Doug lived in Berkeley, California; Reno, Nevada; Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona; and moved back to Wausau in 2010. he is survived by his two children Amanda and Kelly, his sister Judy, Roanoke, Virginia; his brother Jeff, Los Angeles, California; his step mother Jeanette Johnson; and his life partner Susan Lynn Shepherd.

Throughout his life he was interested in music and writing. In 2009, he started his own business, Phoenix Outpost, through which he recently published the biography A Pilot's Path, The Al Avellino Story. He was very proud of his children's achievements and thoroughly enjoyed family reunions with his cousins. He also enjoyed camping trips and target shooting with son Kelly as well as creative writing through his business in which he collaborated with daughter Amanda and Susan Lynn Shepherd in writing poetry and their most recent novel set in the Civil War era. He was always actively and excitedly pursing additional creative writing projects.

A memorial service will be held from 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church, 406 Grant St., Wausau. Rev. Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at church.

Memorials may be sent to the Salvation Army of Marathon County or the charity of your choice.

On-line condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com

On Doug's behalf, we the family, thank the excellent staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital as well as the caring staff at Mount View Care Center.