William Frederick Johnson

Mass of the Christian Burial for William Frederick Johnson will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church (1515 Baker Street) on Monday morning, February 27, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park. No visitation is scheduled. William Frederick Johnson was born August 31, 1919 in Staples, Minnesota and he was raised in Sheboygan, Wisconsin by his Great Aunt Helen along with his two brothers, Ed and Frank. William enlisted in the Army and while he was hitchhiking, he met Vera Mengle. Several years later William invited Vera to his graduation from Officer's Training School in Miami Beach, Florida. Unbeknownst to Vera, William had made arrangements to be married and they spent their honeymoon on a troop train headed to California. His last stint in the Army was at Minter Field and he became a First Lieutenant. After being honorably discharged, William and Vera settled in Bakersfield. William, better known as Bill to most of his friends and family, was an accomplished tuba player and he played in a couple of small German bands, the most recent of which was the Clampers Sauer Kraut Band. He also expanded his musical skills by learning how to play the piano. William started his own business, Johnson's Appliances and was helped by his son, Fred. He had a prosperous business in East Bakersfield for over fifty years. William made all of his customers feel like friends and the majority of his customers did become his personal friends. William would lend a helping hand to anyone and by doing so he helped out many Cuban exiles in the early 60's. Today these families still refer to him as Dad. He would regularly travel to Mexico to donated clothing and food to Missions in Mexico. Other than being a businessman, he was also an avid artist. He displayed his artwork proudly in his business. William is preceded in death by his two brothers, Ed and Frank and his loving wife of 58 years, Vera. William is survived by his loving children and spouses, Fred and Sonjia Johnson, Carol Ann and Greg Tillitt from Puyallup, WA; his grandchildren, Tara Arnold and Jason Johnson and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was loved by all that knew him and he will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. For additional service information, please contact Basham Funeral Care at 873-8200. William F. Johnson Aug. 31, 1919 - Feb. 22, 2006 Basham Funeral Care Legacy.com