Byron G. "Bill" Johnson

Byron Gilmore Johnson was born on May 13, 1929, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Minor Joseph Jewel Johnson and Gertrude Mildred Gilson. He grew up in West Allis, Wisconsin, alongside his older brother, Gaylord Merlin, born in February 1927. Byron graduated from West Central High School in January 1947. Byron "Bill" Johnson married Ruth Marion Lange on April 14, 1951, and the newlyweds settled in Madison, Wisconsin. That same year, Bill graduated from the University of Wisconsin with honors, earning a degree in Agronomy. In the fall of 1951, he was drafted and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He began his service with Boot Camp in San Diego before being stationed at the El Toro Marine Corps Base in Santa Ana, California. Bill was then selected as one of five men assigned to the Marine Corps Air Station in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, where he served as a Control Tower Operator for the 1st Marine Air Wing, supporting air patrol missions over the Hawaiian Islands during the Korean War. Ruth later joined him in Hawaii, and their daughter, Lorie Leilani Johnson, was born in 1953 at Tripler Army Hospital in Oahu. Following his discharge from the Marine Corps in 1954, Bill, Ruth, and their daughter Lorie moved back to Madison. Using the GI Bill, Bill resumed his studies at the University of Wisconsin, where he went on to earn his Master's and Doctorate in Agronomy, completing both in 1958. He then began his academic career at the University as an Assistant Professor of Agronomy.
In 1961, Bill accepted a position with Nalco Chemical Company in the Chicago area, and the family relocated from Madison, Wisconsin, to Darien, Illinois. During this time, Bill and Ruth welcomed two sons into their family-adopting Gary Lee Johnson in 1961 (born in 1959) and later celebrating the birth of their son, William Roy Johnson, in 1963. In 1971, Bill purchased the old Carlson farmhouse and surrounding land in Scandinavia, Wisconsin. Over the next ten years, Bill, Ruth, and their sons worked together to restore and improve the home and property. After retiring from Nalco Chemical Company, Bill and Ruth moved to Scandinavia full-time. Bill then established his own business, B. G. Johnson and Associates, working as an environmental consultant for various companies and organizations. After settling in Waupaca, Bill embraced the chance to pursue his longtime love of flying. He met a local man with a plane and private airfield who gave him lessons, eventually helping Bill earn his pilot's license. Bill later became a co owner of a plane and flew regularly until about 1998. He also enjoyed several memorable fishing trips to Canada during those years.
Gardening became another of Bill's great passions. He and Ruth created beautiful landscaping around their home, and Bill especially loved growing hostas. Over the years, he tended vegetable gardens, an apple orchard, raspberry and blueberry patches, and generous pumpkin gardens. In 1998, he earned certification as a Master Gardener through the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardeners Program and became an active member of the Waupaca Master Gardeners Association. He served as secretary and treasurer and helped organize many Home and Garden Walks.
Bill was a devoted Christian whose love for God was evident in his service, generosity, and steady commitment to his faith community. Though raised Lutheran, he and Ruth later embraced the Charismatic movement, seeking a deeper spiritual life together. After retiring, they joined First Assembly of God in Waupaca, where Bill served faithfully for more than 35 years. He was active in men's groups, Bible studies, and volunteer ministries such as the Waupaca Christian Businessmen's Association, Honor Bound Men's Ministry, and Ruby's Pantry. One of his greatest joys was greeting at church, where he became known for his warm smile and the welcoming hug or handshake he offered to everyone who walked through the doors.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, Minor Johnson; his mother, Gertrude Johnson; his brother, Gaylord Johnson; and his son, William Roy Johnson. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Ruth; his daughter, Lorie Horkman (Larry); and his son, Gary. Bill's legacy continues through his grandchildren-Charity Mikkelson (Amos), Jon Link, Nicole Rollin (Jason), and Renee Kincaid (John)-as well as his eleven great grandchildren: Raquel Mikkelson, Lauren Tuchscherer (Carson), Isabella Mikkelson, Lily Mikkelson, Christian Rollin, Rose Mikkelson, Eliana Rollin, Alex Mikkelson, Finn Link, Logan Kincaid, and Sophie Kincaid. He is also blessed with one great great grandchild, Lavender Mikkelson.

The Funeral Service will be on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 11 a.m. at First Assembly of God Church, 1420 Berlin St. Waupaca. The visitation is on Monday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral.