Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1928
DIED
2012
Gerald Johnson Obituary
Gerald E. "Gene" Johnson, 84, 1921 Chase Street, a lifelong resident of Wisconsin Rapids, died Saturday, November 24, 2012 at the Odyssey Hospice House, Palm Springs, CA.
A memorial service for Gene will be at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 8 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home, Wisconsin Rapids. Revered Tim Ritter will officiate. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM on Saturday and last until the time of services at the funeral home. Inurnment will be in Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Town of Grand Rapids. Military rite rendered by VFW Post #2534.
Mr. Johnson was born in Wisconsin Rapids, March 5th, 1928, the 4th son of John S. and Tena (Vanderploeg) Johnson, he married Irene Bautz on July 28th, 1951, in Wisconsin Rapids.
He was employed at the Biron Division of Consolidated papers, working 43 years in the quality control department until his retirement in 1990. Drafted into the army in November of 1950, he served 11 months as a combat mortar man in Korea.
A life member of the VFW, DAV and Korean War Veterans Association, he was active in the Red Dragons of the 2nd Chemical Mortar Battalion, and the 330th FABn veterans association.
A founding member of the Numismatists of Wisconsin in 1960, he served in all the elective offices of that organization, and edited their quarterly news magazine for over fifteen years.
A nationally known historian and numismatic writer, in 1967 he published the first state trade token book, "Trade Tokens of Wisconsin," a pioneer cataloging effort that led to listings that now encompass token catalogs from thirty two states nationally. Frequently honored for his writings, Johnson received the Fare Box Literary award in 1966 and 1977, the Seigel Literary Award in 1979, the Numismatic Ambassador Award in 1980, and in 1995, was honored by the Literary Guild for the best numismatic article published in the United States.
He served on the Wisconsin Rapids District School Board from 1967 to 1971, during the planning and building of West Junior High School, and served on the board of directors of the Camp Five Museum from 1977 to 1988.
Survivors include his wife, one daughter, Susan Johnson of Slinger, WI; one son, Greg (Pamela) Johnson of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; three grandchildren, Heather Wachsmuth of Plover, William and Jon Cleveland of Colgate, WI; and two great-granddaughters, Skyler and Peyton Wachsmuth.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Roger, Kenneth and H. Dale Johnson.
Herman-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Center is assisting the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Johnson
Bobby Polzin
January 29, 2013
To the Johnson Family, Prayers and thoughts go out to you on the passing of Gene. He was a special man and will be truely missed.
Terri Helgren
December 7, 2012
To the Johnson Family,
We were all sad to hear of Gene passing. So very sorry for your loss, my parents Duaine and Connie Jacob, are in AZ for the winter will not be able to attend the service. Thinking of you. Terri Jacob Helgren
December 6, 2012
Dear Irene, sorry we cannot attend but our Hearts and thoughts are with you.
Ann & Glen (VanderPloeg)
Kurt Krueger
December 6, 2012
... with a tear in my eye and a heavy heart I say farewell to Gene Johnson, my friend, special mentor and catloging hero. Our exchanges of lengthy letters way back to the 1960's forged my early interests in tokens and exonumia. For almost 50 years our meetings and conversations around the Wiscoinsin coin show circuit honed my greater appreciation for the other side of numismatics; the tokens you so loved and related items which teach us history and tell us stories. On our final meeting at Wisconsin Rapids in August we spoke long and of many things. Family & friends, coins & tokens, direction of our hobby, writing, good guys and those not-so-much-so, the evolving world and the good old days, now fading into the sunset. You made a difference. Among the awards you reaped is a legion of appreciative fans; a multitude of loyal friends and a chorus line of loving sisters and brothers, myself and Kathy included, who have appreciated your pleasant manner and your generous contributions for the written snapshots of times gone by.
Gene Morrison
December 6, 2012
Greg so sorry for the loss of your dad, he and I worked together at Birion for many years, and was one of my best friends at work. Until now I did not know that you were his son.
Gene Morrison family
JOHN GARBALAGTYS
December 6, 2012
Irene and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Gene's passing. I can remember nites sitting around the kitchen table with dad and Gene, going thru pennies that dad would get from the bank in Point.
Please know that you will all be in my prayers.
Marti Harger (Garbalagtys)
December 6, 2012
Irene and family, So sorry to hear of your loss. You have our smypathy and prayers. I am sure dad and Gene are up in heaven right now collecting and counting coins.
lois jacobs-Mansavage
December 5, 2012
Irene,n
Am sorry you have Lost your so famous energetic Gene. Even in high school we all knew he would be out expounding on his interests. My prayers are with you
:-
Renee Nieman(Ubinger)
December 5, 2012
I am truely sorry to hear about Gene's passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sue Steuck (Garbalagtys)
December 5, 2012
Irene and family: We are so sorry to hear of Gene's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susan Johnson
December 5, 2012
I will miss you here on earth, Dad. I'm so sad to let you go, but so happy that you were exactly where you wanted to be doing exactly what you loved doing, right up to the end. I love you. Susie
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in Gerald Johnson's name
Memorial Events
for Gerald Johnson
How to support Gerald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gerald Johnson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
