
William C. Johnson
September 08, 1954 - May 24, 2018
Obituary
MADISON-William C. Johnson, age 63, of Madison, passed away at home on Thursday, May 24, 2018, after a courageous battle with cancer, with his family by his side. He was born on Sept. 8, 1954, in Madison, the son of Kenneth and Marjorie (Brockert) Johnson. He graduated from Madison East High School in 1973. Bill met Kathy (Derlein) Lex while dancing, and they’ve been inseparable for the past 25 years. He worked for Sutherland Lumber for many years, then UW-Whitewater in the maintenance department and finally retired from UW-Madison in 2016 as an HVAC Technician. Bill’s happiness revolved around his family, camping and golfing, especially with his son Jacob, family and friends. He also liked spending time at Menards. His contagious laugh and his larger than life personality will be missed. Bill is survived by his wife, Kathy; son, Jacob (fiancé, Ashley Mueller); step-daughter, Kim Lex; step-son, Adam Lex; grandson, Taylor Lex; sisters, Karen (Mike) Geier and Betsy (Gary) Yunker; twin brother, Tom (Beth) Johnson; brothers-in-law, Jack (Rosann) Derlein, Dave (Joni) Derlein and Bob (Regina) Derlein; sister-in-law, Janice Derlein-Romine; mother-in-law, Bev Sperry; his beloved dog, Freckles and many very special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Lucas Johnson; step-father, Gaylord "Curly" Sperry; sister-in-law, Nancy Sluder; and former wife, Gail Johnson. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30, 2018. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. A special thank you to Agrace HospiceCare and Midwest Home Care, for all the care and support given to Bill. “Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.”
Events
Visitation
Wed May 30, 2018 @ 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Service
Wed May 30, 2018 @ 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of William have been shared yet.
Memories
KJ
Kathy Johnson
Other •
Oh Bill, my Dear Sweet Husband, I have had the most amazing 25 years with you dancing through our journey. I married my best friend, the one I laughed with, lived for, danced and dreamed with. I will Love you Forever and Always.
Oh you would always have some funny comment or silly action; you always had me chuckling. I loved going to sleep with you holding hands each night and waking to another day just waiting for your surprises. I always loved surprising you too, like with Chocolate Pancakes and seeing your expression of delight. It was priceless. You had the most gentle loving touch. So often you surprised me as you would walk by me in my recliner. You would massage my neck/back and give the most amazing foot rubs with lotion.
I loved telling you that you were my night-n-shining armor, my handsome man, and that you gave me goose bumps when you sang like Elvis to me. I treasure our devotional time; I loved reading to us. You even started watching Joel Osteen with me; so many great lessons. I so loved cooking for you so many different meals, which you were willing to try new things. I even got you liking spinach in our eggs.
We both worked so hard saving for our retirements. You finally retired July 5, 2016. We were able to take our new 25 foot Passport Ultra Lite on a Johnson family vacation to Baileys Grove Campground in Baileys Harbor, Door County. We had the most amazing time going to see light houses, Cave Point with the stacked rocks, the Old Post Office for a fish boil, to Al Johnson's to eat their famous meat balls and also see the goats on the grass roof... best of all was going on the ferry to Washington Island to see the Lavender fields and then to Nelson's Bar for you to earn your Bitter's Club membership card. Oh man, I took a tiny lick, too much for me. I was so proud of you and also so happy and laughing so hard at your expressions.
Sadly our retirement travels didn't continue as planned. I am so sorry you got robbed of your dreams. For the past 2 years, you battled multiple cancers. Had surgery for Prostrate Cancer, but had side effects. Then this recent mid-April you were informed of Liver Cancer, but where did it come from? The biopsy showed that it metastasized from Bile Duct Cancer. It was a quick and courageous battle that was fought with much courage, laughter, and of course tears. I was so blessed to be able to keep you in our home. I am so thankful to Agrace HospiceCare, Midwest Home Care, family and friends for all the support, food, calls and cards, etc.. Thank you for all you did supporting Bill and I through this touch battle.
Bill, you are a great man and really showed me the meaning of true love. I already miss you so much. But I know now you are in the comfort of God, and I will always carry you in my heart. Here is the chocolate cup cake I promised you. Hope you can find some ice-cream to eat with it. Love you Forever and Ever, Always. - Kathy (yup, still Chatty Kathy)
JK
Jan Kwiatkowski
Other •
It seems like yesterday. I remember a beautiful warm summer evening sitting outside at the Silver Eagle on Monona Dr. sharing, laughing, and remembering the good old days with several GE Medical retirees. Bill was so happy with his and Kathy's newly retired life style. That is the way I choose to remember Bill, the Quintessential man: strong, caring, the most perfect example of class. Rest in peace, Bill. You will be greatly missed.
RD
Regina Derlein
Other •
Bill, I can honestly say you have to be one of the very nicest people I have ever met. Your quite humor and wonderful laugh were awesome. Thank you for being Kathy's soulmate. The love you two have is a joy to see. Rest in Peace Bill.
DM
Diane M.Egan
Other •
I am truly sorry for your great loss. Prayers for all of you.May he rest in peace.
EB
Edwin Benitez
Other •
Bill was not only a friend of my brothers but also was a friend of mine too!!! You will be missed
RD
Robin M Derlein
Other •
Kathy,
With our thoughts and love are with you during this difficult time. We will miss Bills conversations, inviting smile, and of course his special laugh. We will see you here soon.
Love,
Jeff, Robin, Chad, and Keith