Wilbur Vernon Johnson

Obituary for Wilbur (Bill) Vernon Johnson

Wilbur "Bill" Vernon Johnson, age 79, of Wallburg, NC-formerly of West Bend, WI and Naples, FL-passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025.

Born on April 13, 1946, in Wisconsin, Bill was the son of the late Wilbur Earl Johnson and the late Lorraine Lorenz Johnson. He was raised in Berlin, WI, graduated from Berlin High School in 1964, and proudly earned his degree from the University of Wisconsin, remaining a devoted Badger fan throughout his life.

Bill married the love of his life, Janis Ann Wendt, on June 10, 1967. They shared nearly 58 years of marriage, raising a family and building a life rooted in faith, service, and the outdoors.

He began his career as an industrial engineer at the West Bend Company. After retiring, he found renewed purpose working for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, where he built and repaired structures and mentored individuals through the state's HUBER program, helping them gain practical skills and confidence for life after release.

A passionate outdoorsman, Bill was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved passing those traditions on to his children. He gave generously of his time as a 4-H volunteer, Junior Achievement mentor, and longtime Hunter Safety instructor.

He was also well known for his legendary homemade strawberry shortcake and weekend breakfasts of bacon, fresh crepes, and omelets that filled the home with warmth and love.

Bill was famous for his missions to Fleet Farm just to get a Salted Nut Roll-always making sure to stop for a drink from the bubbler that just so happened to be located by Sporting Goods. He could frequently be found walking along the side of the road picking blueberries or asparagus.

Every Christmas, he gifted the family with a trip to enjoy Daytona, Florida-a tradition filled with sunshine, laughter, and lifelong memories.

Bill was a lifelong fan of Wisconsin sports, enthusiastically cheering for the Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, and Wisconsin Badgers. His passion for his home state's teams was infectious and became a fun, uniting thread for his family and friends.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Janis; his children Bryan Johnson (Wendy) of Newburg, WI; Brent Johnson (Karen) of Grapevine, TX; Josh Johnson (Trish) of Woodbridge, VA; and Jill Held (Brett) of Wallburg, NC.

He is also survived by his grandchildren Jordan Boyles, Peyton Johnson, Braden Held, Josie Johnson, Owen Held, and Everett Johnson; his siblings Bernie Johnson (Kathy), Jerry Johnson (Sharon), and Gary Johnson (Karen), all of Berlin, WI; and his sister Sharon Harvey of West Bend, WI.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 21st from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 104 N 7th Ave, West Bend, WI 53095, directly followed by a memorial service.

In honor of Bill's lifelong love of Wisconsin sports, the family invites all attendees to wear attire representing their favorite team.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, an organization close to the family's heart.

Bill's legacy of love, service, and laughter will live on in the countless lives he touched.