Franklin "Frank" Johnston

1929 - 2025

Franklin "Frank" Johnston

January 22, 1929 - September 30, 2025

Franklin "Frank" Johnston passed away at River Pines nursing home in Altoona on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Much of this obituary was hand written years ago by his wife, Eunice.

Frank was born January 22, 1929 to Lydia (Will) Johnston in Neillsville, WI. Her husband, Frank (senior) died 16 days before Frank was born. Lydia and the 8 children moved to Fairchild to be near her parents. All 8 were confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church and graduated from Fairchild High School.

Frank worked at Presto and DNR in Friendship, WI. He married Bernadean McGaver in 1951. They had 2 sons, Steven and Mickey, and were later divorced. He was drafted and served in the Army 1951-1953 in Germany. After that he worked at the Ranger Station in Fairchild. He was on the Eau Claire Fire Department 1956-1985, and also worked part time at Gamble Robinson.

He married Eunice (Dahl) Bradford in 1962. She had 3 children, Steven, Kaylene & Kristine. Frank & Eunice had a son, Wayne. So that is why Wayne has two brothers named Steve.

Frank and Eunice loved to travel and had some memorable times with 6 kids in a '65 station wagon. Frank was a member of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd where he often helped with building & repair work. After retiring he and Eunice spent many winters in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Frank and Eunice moved to the Good Shepherd Senior Apartments in 2015, with Frank moving to a smaller apartment after Eunice's passing. Frank had lived independently until early September.

Frank enjoyed playing cards, dominoes and "Aggravation", jigsaw puzzles, watching football, listening to country music, and going to Altoona Family Restaurant with family.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Eunice; all 7 of his siblings and their spouses; son, Mickey; step daughter, Kristine Hallum and grandsons, David Karker and Mike Bradford.

Frank is survived by sons, Steven (Sue) Johnston and Wayne (Karen) Johnston; stepson, Steven (Deb) Bradford; step daughter, Kay (Tom) Karker; son-in-law, Rick Hallum; 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1120 Cedar Street in Eau Claire, with Pastor Josh Toufar officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to services at the church. A meal will follow the services.

Online condolences may be shared at www.lenmarkfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials toward the Debt Retirement fund at Good Shepherd.