Vernon U. Johnson
June 29, 1945 - May 14, 2026
Obituary
RIO - Vernon U. Johnson Jr., age 80, of Rio, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at home. He was born on June 29, 1945, in Madison, the son of Vernon U. Johnson Sr. and Hilda Craig.
Vernon graduated from West Senior High School, Madison, in 1965. He married Pamela (Trussell) Johnson in Portage. Vernon worked at MG&E for 43 years, retiring in 2008.
Vernon loved racing stock cars and in his later years he enjoyed just watching the races on TV. Playing pool was one of his favorite pastimes. He even built his own pool hall above his garage. When the bar that he shot pool at was sold, he brought his trophy winning pool team home. They liked it so much they have been playing there for the last decade.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon U. Johnson Sr. and Hilda Henrietta Craig; and sisters, Mary (Bobby) Hoges and Janet (Ray) Grinde.
Vernon is survived by his wife, Pamela (Trussell) Johnson; two brothers-in-law, David and Stephen Trussell and their families; four Hoges nephews in Florida and six Grinde nephews. Shoutout to the Grinde Boys.
To honor Vernon’s wishes, no services will be held.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420