Caden Johnson

Johnson, Caden L. MADISON-Caden L. Johnson, age 68, passed away at home, with his family at his bedside on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009. Caden endured more than a year of pain and suffering from mesothelioma, a cancerous condition caused from exposure to asbestos. Caden attended Monona Grove High School. He was a lead guitarist in bands such as The Blue Notes, Motley Crew, and Funky Country. He play throughout the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Caden was employed by Meriter (Methodist) Hospital for the past 34 years as an operating engineer and mechanic. He was dedicated to making the hospitals run efficiently and safely through his expertise and innovations. Caden retired in the fall of 2007. Caden loved motorcycling and was especially proud of his home-built Chevy cycle, which was referred to as the "Big Johnson." He received a lot of looks when he arrived anywhere on that machine. His face beamed as he grabbed the throttle of the Big Johnson and roared down the road, leaving all others in his dust. He enjoyed traveling in his motor home in the summer and especially loved spending ten days camped at the EAA air show each year. His biggest dream was to retire and spend his winters in Apache Junction, Ariz. That dream was fulfilled but only short lived. Caden is survived by his wife, Debra (Sorenson); his daughter, Lori Greenwold and her mother, Linda Johnson; and sister, Jean (Rollie) Dreher. Caden had three grandchildren; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews that loved him so much. A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until the time of the service. A gathering will take place at the VFW, 301 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, following the service. Flowers wither and die but HospiceCare never will, so in lieu of flowers, please send a generous donation in Caden's name to HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. The family can't thank HospiceCare of Madison and Home Health United enough for all the help that Caden received from them. With the help from the Hospice nurses and staff, Caden was able to stay at home, where he wanted to be through his illness. He especially loved his nurse, Marcy. All of the nurses and staff went out of their way to see to Caden's needs.I'm glad I didn't knowThe way it all would endThe way it all would go.Our lives are better left to chanceI could have missed the painBut I would have had to miss the dance. Gunderson EastFuneral & Cremation Centers5203 Monona Drive(608) 221-5420www.gundersonfh.com Memorials: Flowers wither and die but HospiceCare never will, so in lieu of flowers, please send a generous donation in Caden's name to HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. Visitation: Visitation will be held at the funeral home from4 p.m. until the time of the service. Service: A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009.