LODI - Willard “Tiger” D. Johnson Jr., age 86, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at UW Hospital and Clinics.

He was born on April 22, 1939, in Portage, Wisconsin, the son of Willard Sr. and Beatrice (Sutfin) Johnson.

Willard graduated from Lodi High School. He married Patricia Hahn on August 29, 1964, in Vienna Township.

Willard worked as a laborer for Columbia County retiring in 2001.

Willard enjoyed gardening, small animals, birds, and miniature ponies. He especially loved dogs. Willard participated in most sports including basketball, football and baseball.

Willard is survived by his wife of 61 years Patricia; two daughters, Shirley Caldwell, and Sheri (Jacob) Shropshire; son, Jeffrey Johnson; three grandchildren, Melinda Caldwell, Matthew Caldwell, and Genevieve Shropshire; brother, Lawrence (Karen) Johnson; two sisters, Suzanne Kay Teegardin, and Carrie (Rick) Findora; three sisters-in-law, Linda (Kenneth) Bong, Sharon (Clarence) Sass, and Diane Wipperfurth; other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard Sr. and Beatrice Johnson; sister, Nancy Miller; brother, Rick Johnson; sister-in-law, Judy Hahn; father and mother-in-law, Arnold (Phyllis) Hahn; and brother-in-law, Melvin Wipperfurth.

Private family services will be held.

For more information and online condolences please visit www.gundersonfh.com

Gunderson Lodi

Funeral & Cremation Care

157 S. Main St.

(608) 592-3201

Willard D Johnson Jr.

April 22, 1939 - January 01, 2026

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