Harold "Hal" Johnson
March 21, 1947 - March 23, 2021
Obituary
SUN PRAIRIE - Harold G. “Hal” Johnson, age 74, passed away on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at Rosemore Village in Wild Rose, Wis., from complications of frontal lobe dementia. He was born on March 21, 1947, in Wausau, Wis., the son of Harold and Jean (Hoppe) Johnson.
Hal graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1965. He entered the U.S. Army in 1967 and proudly served in Germany until 1970. He married Mary Ladron on Jan. 4, 1969. They had two sons, Chad and Craig.
Hal worked at MG&E as lead leak surveyor until his retirement in 2009. He was a member of the East Side Club and a senior golf travel league. Hal had a unique quality in that he could strike up a conversation with anyone, although he usually did most of the talking. He enjoyed golf, bowling, and attending Packers, Badgers and Brewers games with close friends. The last few years he cherished his tee times with friends and his grandson, Cory. Lucorama became his favorite week of the year.
Hal is survived by his wife, Mary; son, Chad (Erinne); daughter-in-law, Laura Johnson; grandchildren, Payton, Caleb, Luke and Cory; and sisters, Patty (Jeff) Kiel and Phyllis Freeman; and sisters- and brothers-in-law, Jim (Mary Jane) Ladron, Sandi Trosper, Tom (Joyce) Ladron, and Chris (Jim) Loy. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Craig Johnson; daughter-in-law, Heidi Johnson; grandson, Alex Johnson; brother, Ron Johnson; sister, Penny Hoekman; brothers-in-law, Bob Freeman and Josh Ladron; and sisters-in-law, Theresa Ladron and Barb Ransom.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 23, 2021. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens with Military Honors. A celebration of life will be held at EAST SIDE CLUB, 3735 Monona Dr., Madison, following the burial at 11:30 a.m on Friday, July 23, 2021.
Family was so very important to Hal. All of your continued love and support has been instrumental in getting us through this very difficult time.
Since one of our grandsons is diabetic, nothing would mean more to Hal than memorials written in Hal’s name to the JDRF Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
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Bryan Brosamle
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Hal always had a smile and struck up a conversation when we worked together at MGE. He was always ready to show off his natural gas sniffer. We hope your fond memories help soothe your grief. Mary and Bryan Brosamle
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Tom Coogan
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Johnson family (Mary, Chad, etc.), so very sorry to hear the loss of Hal. He sure was a great man who could put a smile on anyone’s face, whether he knew you for 10 minutes or 10 years. Your family has been through so much pain and sorrow, it hurt my heart tremendously hearing the news of Hal. I know that Craig was the first person to meet Hal in heaven with biggest of hugs. They will help guide us all and make us better human beings. So grateful to have been apart of Hal and Craig’s lives, albeit way to short in time. One of my best memories of Hal was during a CYO basketball game when he served as our coach. We only had 5 players for the game. One player fouled out, then Craig fouled out leading to 3 players finishing the game. Instead of showing us players nervousness after Craig fouled out, Hal just smiled and said “isn’t this fun, now go out and play keep away.” We went onto to win that game and I’m so thankful to have that memory. My parents would always let me know that they saw Hal and Mary at the Lawinger’s Christmas party and sure enjoyed talking with you both. Rest In Peace Hal and please say hi to Craig for me. With sympathy, Tom and the rest the Coogan family
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jerry
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East Side Club wishes to send Condolences to Mary and Family. We always enjoyed having Hal in our Club Golf League and his input.
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Duane Ward
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Hal was always fun to work with all the years we had. From the Plant to Street Department. He will be missed. Condolences to Mary and the family. From Duane and Karen Ward
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John
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I have so many fond memories of Hal that I don't know where to start. We worked together at MGE and bowled together for many, many years at Bowl-a-Vard Lanes. He was the nicest person I've ever known. He was quick with a smile and was always ready to talk with me about anything. I really enjoyed his reviews of the many movies that he and Mary had seen. The world lost a good person. Rest in peace my friend.
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Tammi Alexander, Badger Honor Flight
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The volunteers, flight team and board of Badger Honor Flight mourn the loss of their hero, Harold Johnson. We are thankful for his military service and proud to have served him on his trip to Washington, D.C. on April 21, 2018.