LaVerne Johnson
March 23, 1921 - February 20, 2025
Obituary
LIVESTREAM SERVICE:
LaVerne’s Livestream Service will begin at 11 a.m. CT on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Scroll down to the Webcast section and click on “Watch Now.”
MADISON - Laverne Harvey Johnson, age 103, made his journey to heaven on February 20, 2025. Laverne was born March 23, 1921, in Unity, WI to Gustav and Clara (nee Thronson) Johnson. He was the third of five children and the youngest boy. Laverne grew up on the family farm near Strum, WI and graduated from Mondovi High School in 1938.
Laverne’s first paying job was at an aluminum foundry in Waukesha, WI. He returned to the family farm when his older brother was drafted for World War II. His subsequent jobs all involved driving. He drove for Cardinal Bus Lines, then Greyhound Bus Lines from which he retired after 33 years. After his first retirement, he drove for Badger Bus Lines and finally, Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts. He retired for good at the age of 90 years old.
Laverne met his future wife, Elizabeth “Bette” Ripp, through mutual friends and they were married in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Cross Plains on May 9, 1953. Bette and Laverne moved to Madison after their marriage and raised seven children there.
Laverne loved baseball, both as a player and a fan. He played first base for two different teams in his youth and was a life-long Chicago Cubs fan. His other favorite sports teams included the Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball and football teams and the Green Bay Packers. Laverne was a skilled woodworker and could build or fix just about anything.
Laverne is survived by his seven children: Mark Johnson (Karen Zenor), Karen Johnson, Jane Johnson, Todd (Carol) Johnson, Gary (Suzanne) Johnson, Joel (Vicki) Johnson and Mary Kay Johnson. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Ashley Johnson, Abigail (Matt) Maleport, Stacy (Ryan) Mellenthin, Eric (Tabatha Schwark) Johnson, Bradley Johnson, Kevin Johnson, David Johnson, Rose Johnson, Alex Johnson and Grace Johnson; and seven great-grandchildren: Jovy Maleport, Levi Johnson, Cameron Mellenthin, Adelaide Johnson, Charlotte “Charley” Mellenthin, McKenzie Schwark and Timothy Schwark. Laverne is also survived by his sister, Gloria Johnson Bucholz of Eau Claire. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Bette.
Laverne was a good and faithful servant of the Lord. We rejoice in his new heavenly life but his family still here on earth will miss him tremendously.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, with Father Brian Wilk presiding. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the start of the Mass on Wednesday.
The family would like to thank the wonderful CNA’s and all the staff at Heritage Senior Living in Monona for the loving care they provided to Dad for the past three years and also Agrace HospiceCare.
Fathers hold their children’s hands for a while, but their hearts forever. Goodbye Dad, we love you and know Mom was waiting to meet you with open arms.
Memorials may be made in LaVerne’s name to St. Dennis Parish. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420