Verlin George Johnson

Verlin George Johnson, 91, February 18, 1934 - September 13, 2025

He was United in marriage to Shirley McCollough June 12, 1954, at the First United Methodist Church, Tomah WI

Verlin grew up on the Johnson family farm in Wyeville, WI. After graduating from Tomah High School in 1952 he worked at the Chevrolet garage. He Enlisted in the National Guard September 8, 1952, as a member of the 732nd Maintenance Company. In 1956 he began his career as a mechanic for the National Guard at Camp Williams until his retirement in 1988. Verlin was activated to Ft. Lewis Washington 15 Oct 61 - 10 Aug 62 to support the Berlin Crisis. He retired as an E7/SFC on May 9, 1988, with 36 years, 9 months, and 3 days of military service. After retirement he worked an additional 10 years for the Tomah School district as a bus driver and maintenance worker. He was also a DAV volunteer taking veterans from Tomah to Madison for appointments.

Verlin loved people and would always do whatever he could to help anyone out. His commitment and work ethic was an inspiration to his family and friends. He will be extremely missed, but he left us all with some amazing memories. He loved his family more than anything and was always there for them. He never judged anyone and always found the best in everyone. He loved to tease people, especially the caregivers at Liberty Village.

He was a proud lifetime member of the Tomah American Legion and the 40 and Eight holding various local and statewide positions. He was the Commander of the American Legion Firing Squad for many years providing military honors at funerals for Tomah area veterans.

Verlin received several awards over his career including Soldier of the year in 1983 and Military citizen of the year in 2023.

He is survived by children; Kathy (Thomas) Rastall, David (Amanda) Johnson, Sherrie Brett; grandchildren, Shalyn (Nick) Gagnon, Tia (Joseph) Strait, Chad (Katey Fortun) Johnson, Cory (April) Johnson, Jamie (Justin) Clark, Nathan (Brittney) Eisenhut, Derek Eisenhut, Keely (Logan) Hinkle; great-grandchildren, Madelyn Gagnon, Liliana Gagnon, Liam Gagnon, Alexis Strait, Mason Strait, Shaila (James) Davis, Jack Kassanavoid, Jennie Kassanavoid, Leora Kassanavoid, Emily Drews, Noah Charles, Roree Charles, Jaide Charles, Dayton Eisenhut, Onyx Eisenhut, Freya Hinkle, Luna Hinkle, Arthur Hinkle; sister-in-law, Jean Walter; sister, Charlene (Don) Benisch; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Verlin was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; parents-in-law, Edward and Dorothy Kneifl; parent, Emil and Caroline Johnson; baby sister-in-law, Marion McCollough; brothers-in-laws, Raymond Walter and Richard McCollough; sister-in-law, Beverly McCollough; brothers, Stanley Johnson and Carlton Johnson and son-in-law, Jeff Brett.

The family would like to thank the care providers at Liberty Village, the ICU staff, and the 6th floor Nurses and Hospice staff at Emplify Health

A Graveside Committal Service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, 11:00 AM at Mount Vernon Cemetery with military honors by the Grassman-Sowle-Larsen-Senz American Legion Post #201.

A Celebration of Life will follow from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM at the Tomah American Legion, 800 Wisconsin Ave., Tomah.

Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com