Duane Allan Johnson
March 23, 1944 - March 23, 2013
Obituary
SHADY VALLEY, TENN. / MADISON-Duane Johnson, age 69, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 23, 2013. He was born on March 23, 1944, the son of Oscar and Lavina Johnson. Duane graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1962. Upon graduating, he joined the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War. He married the former Catherine Saeger in 1966, and they had one daughter, Erin. Duane worked briefly for Research Products before joining the Madison Police Department in 1969. He retired in 1997, after serving the department for 28 years. In 1995, he was united in marriage to Eileen Ripp. Upon their retirements, Duane and Eileen had relocated from Madison to Shady Valley, Tenn. Duane had a passion for cars and was a member of the former Hi-winders car club of Madison and a current member of the National Street Rod Association. He was the ultimate handyman and took great pleasure in being able to help family and friends alike. He enjoyed NASCAR, Packer football, and a good long conversation. He is survived by his wife, Eileen; daughter, Erin Johnson (John Tantillo) of Madison; brothers, David (Marcia) Johnson and Gary (Judith) Johnson; sister, Nancy (Tom) Scheuerman; and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2013, with the Rev. Brian Konkol presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park with military rites being conducted. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, March 29, 2013, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Badger Honor Flight or Wounded Warrior Project. Duane’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the Madison Police Department Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Badger Honor Flight or Wounded Warrior Project.
Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, March 29, 2013, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday.
Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2013, with the Rev. Brian Konkol presiding.
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Memories
LB
Linda Blevins
Other •
Deepest sympathy to Eileen and all the family. It was such a shock to us all. Our prayers are with you.
TF
The Cornett Family
Other •
We are so sorry for your loss. If there is anything we can do, please feel free to call. We are just a phone call away.
TC
Tari Cerniglia-Piediscalzzi
Other •
Words cannot express the sorrow I feel of your passing. Duane, you were one of the last great officers. Gruff on the outside and gentle on the inside. Enjoyed working with you so much. You will be remembered forever. See you on the other side "Frank 5."
SY
Sue Armagost and Meredith York
Other •
Both of us have spent the last few days sharing stories about working with Duane on the east side. So many good stories! He was probably most famous for his (oft shared) fantasy of someday ending his career with MPD by driving to the edge of his beat, taking off everything MPD issued, folding it all up on the drivers seat of the squad, walking home and calling in to tell the OIC where they should retrieve their equipment! We both loved working with him. What a good man and a gentle soul. He will be missed. Our prayers are with you.
RO
Rich OConnor
Other •
I'm sorry for you loss Eileen. I won't be able to make the services. I have lots of fond memories of Duane from the night shift many years ago.
TF
Terry Fisher
Other •
Warmest sympathy to Eileen and all the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow. I have many happy memories of Duane from our carefree younger years in grade school and high school.