Carl George Johnson,

MONONA - Carl G. Johnson, age 85, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, surrounded by his family. He was born on July 26, 1927, in Iron River, Mich., the son of Verner and Christine (Lund) Johnson. Carl proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman 1st class. Following his military service, Carl was united in marriage to Thelma Collins on Sept. 20, 1947, in Iron River, Mich., having just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Carl attended Northern Michigan College of Education in Marquette, Mich., receiving a degree in teaching. He then taught, was basketball coach, and became principal in Tipler. Following his teaching career, Carl entered the 2nd class of the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy. He served on the Wisconsin State Patrol in Superior before transferring to Kenosha, where he achieved the title of sergeant. Following his career with the State Patrol, Carl started work with the Department of Transportation in Milwaukee. He then transferred to Madison in 1968, when he was named director of Registration and Licensing Bureau for the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles. Carl retired in 1988. Carl was a member of Christ Presbyterian Church, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Retirees and the Wisconsin Coalition of Annuitants. He loved spending time at his cabin up north, making his famous maple syrup and golfing with Thelma. Carl enjoyed the Packers and Badgers, and proudly supported his grandchildren’s activities. He is survived by his wife, Thelma Johnson of Monona; daughter, Bethany (James Pope) Johnson of Monona; sons, Robert (Sally) Johnson of Janesville and David (Cara) Johnson of Monona; sister, Gloras of Iron River, Mich.; grandchildren, Jayson (fiancé, Megan), Lindsay, Jordan, Rebecca, Ladell, Teri, Anthony, James, Darnell, Kariss, Jaiya, Ashley and Caitlyn; great-grandchildren, R-Yana, Devin, Mikalyn, Lexington, Jeramiah, Miyayah, Jamari; and a special part of the family, Scott. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Keith Johnson; and brother-in-law, Eugene Collins. A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, with Pastor Glen Reichelderfer presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Carl’s name to Wisc. Chapter Am. Parkinson Disease, P.O. Box 7513, Madison, WI 53707 or Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 East Gorham Street, Madison, WI 53703. A special thank you to the wonderful staff at Heritage Senior Living of Monona; special friend, Norbert Anderson, Pastor Glen, Beth’s co-workers, and Devin for his many bike rides to visit great-grandpa, we thank you so much! In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Carl’s name to Wisc. Chapter Am. Parkinson Disease, P.O. Box 7513, Madison, WI 53707 or Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 East Gorham Street, Madison, WI 53703. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday. A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, with Pastor Glen Reichelderfer presiding.