Wally was born June 1, 1931 in Preble Township, Fillmore County, Minnesota to Edward and Isabelle (Hilden) Johnson. He was confirmed at the South Fork Church. He graduated from the Mabel High School in 1949. From 1950 to 1970 he served in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Korea, Saudi Arabia, Texas, and Hawaii, and worked in communications and then managed the NCO club. In 1954 he married Katherine Scott. They later divorced. In 1967 he married Doris Johnson in Carroll, Iowa. They later divorced. After retiring from the Air Force he worked for the City of Mabel, operated the “Cougar’s Cage” restaurant, McCabe’s Supper Club, VFW in Decorah, NFO Market in Decorah, and Usgaard Smith in Decorah. He was a member of the Mabel First Lutheran Church, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Skyliners Dance Club. Wally enjoyed golfing, playing cards, dancing, socializing, and his 50-plus trips to Branson, Missouri.
Wally passed away Friday, February 12, 2016 at Gundersen Health Systems in LaCrosse, Wisconsin at the age of 84.
Wally is survived by special friend Linda Isenberger; eight children John (Laurie) Peter of Fonda, Iowa, Sherry Johnson of Mabel, Pam Johnson (Sandy Christopher) of Mabel, Connie (LeRoy) Kreager of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Ed (Shelly) Johnson of Suhuarita, Arizona, Patricia (Randy) Graef of Austin, Texas, Don (Deb) Johnson of Zimmerman, Minnesota, and Dee Ann (Tracy) Peterson of Decorah; twenty-three grandchildren; forty-four great grandchildren; eight great great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson Tony Peter; great granddaughter Paige Gallo; great grandson Carson Chase; infant great grandson Izik Peterson; brothers and sisters Harvey Johnson, Amy Larson, Elsie Olson, Vivian Stennes, Lorraine Benson, Ione Hanson, Clarence Johnson, and Delores Hansen.
Funeral services will be 2 PM, Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at the Mabel First Lutheran Church in Mabel with the Reverend Elliott Malm officiating. Burial will be in the Mabel Lutheran Cemetery with military rites by the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Visitation will be 4 – 7 pm Mondayat the Mabel First Lutheran Church and one hour prior to services at the church.
