Clifford Rodney Johnson
June 12, 1928 - June 25, 2016
Obituary
Madison—Clifford Rodney Johnson died June 25, 2016. He was born to Victor Johnson and Laura (Mickelson) Johnson on June 12, 1928 in Minneapolis, MN. At age 4 the family moved to a farm in ND. The following year they moved to the Willie and Aida Mickelson farm where they lived until age 11. Cliff attended a one room school house. Cliff graduated from Gilmington High School. He participated in track, basketball, and baseball. Cliff ran the high hurdles at the 1945 State track meet in Madison. He enlisted in the Navy from 1946-1948 earning a "World War II Victory Medal" while on an aircraft carrier. Cliff went 4 years part-time, and graduated from MATC. He met Catherine "Kitty" Marie Ressel at the dance hall in Independence. They were married July 29, 1950. Cliff was preceded in death by his son Mark 1963, and son Perry 2009. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, as well as his sons, Kimm (Susan) and Rodney, plus 5 grandchildren. His young family moved to Madison in 1955. Cliff was self-employed as a custom home builder until 1988 and worked for the State of WI until 1996. He was at one time President of the Madison Builders Association. He was also a proud member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Middleton since 1955. Clifford loved his sons very much and taught them to be honest and caring. He was a volunteer in church, scouting, and little league. Above all other things he loved his God. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 30, 2016, at the GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Avenue, Middleton, with Rev. Roger Eigenfeld presiding. A lunch will follow at the funeral home. Burial will be at St. Marys on the Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until time of service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Events
Visitation
Thu Jun 30, 2016 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Service
Thu Jun 30, 2016 @ 11:00 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Clifford have been shared yet.
Memories
MW
Marilyn Wipperfurth
Other •
Hello Kitty, I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Cliff. I have been thinking and wondering how you both are doing. It has been a while since I retired from the Waunakee branch of the State Bank of Cross Plains. I truly admired you as a couple of fine people who lived in such sweet harmony. I can still hear your voices and your gentle humor. Truly I miss meeting with all the amazing people I encountered during my career and you will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
I have moved several times since retirement and am now back in Dane County living with my daughter and her family. I would have sent a card but am not sure if your address is the same as the one in my outdated phone book. May it ease your pain to know of those who love and care about you during this difficult time.
With sincere sympathy,
Marilyn Wipperfurth
DM
Darryl McCants
Other •
I just learned about the passing of Cliff Johnson, and iam deeply saddened. I have been his Mailman for many years, and seeing Cliff and his wife Kitty out doing things around the yard, or driving by always made me smile. They made me feel like I was part of the community from day one. All of us who knew him are hurting at this time, and in time we will heal by remembering spending time with him. My Condolences to his Family, he will truly be missed. Darryl McCants
CK
Carolyn Van Brunt Kaiser
Other •
Seeing Clifford's obituary in the Eau Claire Leader brought thoughts 'of back in the day.' We grew up in Sampson Valley- next to the Willie/Ada farm. As a child I recall going to Vic and Laura's - the chickens, the kindness are both warm memories. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time.