David Lee Johnson

David Lee Johnson, age 84, of Eagle River, WI passed away December 15, 2025. He was born in Normal, IL on April 23, 1941 to Reverend Ernest Lenard Johnson and Editha Venice Johnson. His family moved to northern Wisconsin in 1948 where his father was the founding pastor of Community Bible Church. He graduated from the Eagle River High School in 1959, attended Wheaton College for two years, graduated from Lincoln County Teachers College in 1964 and from University of Wisconsin Stevens Point in 1967 with a BA with a lifetime license in elementary teaching degree.
He was included in his folks ministry of serving the Lord from the age of seven when he read the scripture on the radio program which started over WOBT in Rhinelander. He taught a boy's Sunday School class and later was the teenage class teacher as well as the leader of the youth group. His wife joined him in this for twenty years until the responsibility was passed on when he became a pastor. Another talent he had was leading the congregation in songs at the church services.
Dave married the love of his life Janet Elaine Norman on May 27, 1964 at a 5:30 A.M. sunrise service performed by his father. He taught for 35 years at Crescent School in Rhinelander and LOVED working with kids. Coaching softball, soccer and volleyball, while it was available, was a joy for him as well as teaching tumbling in his Phy. Ed. Classes.
In 1998 he took an early retirement to serve full time in the Lord's calling as a pastor of the Community Bible Church of Eagle River, WI. He was ordained in 1982 and was part time until 1990 when he took over full time. For sixteen years he was both pastor and teacher. His excitement and joy in communicating, whether in the classroom or in the pulpit, made others sit up and enjoy learning the lesson he had to give. His student's affectionately called him Mr. J, but he was also known as Pastor Dave in church and recognized as a "teacher of the WORD". In 2014 his son Jon, returned from the mission field in Kenya, Africa to come along side and help lift the load. Dave continued to preach part time until June of 2022. He is remembered for his love of God's Word and his great sense of humor. He was often heard to say, "I use to prepare kids for life as a school teacher. Now I prepare people for eternity as a pastor. There is no greater joy than being able to do this."
He was preceded in death by his faithful wife of 61 years: Janet; and beloved parents. He is survived by his three sons: Jay Andrew (Paula) Johnson of Grand Rapids, MN, Pastor Jon Aaron (Almi) Johnson of Eagle River, and Jess Alan Johnson of Kent WA; four grandchildren: Tanya Lynn (Jerry) Whitaker, Rhinelander, WI; Christy Andrea (Cole) Besonen of Appleton, WI and Joshua Scott (Hope) Johnson of Eagle River, WI; and Treyor Andrew Johnson of Grand Rapids, MN. He is also survived by one brother-in-law George Cassell of Alexandria, MN; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
A funeral service will be at 11am on Friday January 2, 2026 at the Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home in Eagle River, WI. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.