Raymond Johnson

Raymond Earl Johnson was born in Platteville, WI to Ernest and Irma Johnson on June 15, 1927. He was Baptized at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Platteville and confirmed at this church also in 1944. He was raised on a farm. He graduated from Gays Mills High School when almost 17 then attended Platteville's State Teachers College majoring in Agriculture. He graduated in three years and at the age of 20 started teaching school at Oxford High School After teaching for four years he went into the Army during the Korean War. He finished M.P. training and it was then decided to send him to the Chicago stockyards to grade meat that was sent to the troops because of his agriculture background. It was at this time that he met his future wife at a nurse's dance. After he finished his service duty he went back to school and received his master's degree from the UW, Madison, WS Ray married Phyllis Ring between semesters on January 30, 1954 in Chicago, IL Nebo Lutheran Church.

They moved to Portage and Ray accepted a job as Farm Management Agent in Columbia County-U.W. Extension. Ray very much enjoyed working with the farmers of the county and helping them. He was instrumental in starting the Pork Producers Organization. He and Phyllis bought a small farm in the Caledonia Hills, raised a few pigs and had three wonderful daughters. After 10 years they moved back to Portage and Ray became the County Agriculture Agent. He also received his Associate Professorship from the UW. In 1977 he received the County Agriculture Agents National Distinguished Service award at the National County Agents Convention in Hartford, CT. He retired in 1983. He was an avid hunter-(a 6-point elk, 3 antelope, 35 deer and 20 turkeys). He enjoyed going on fishing trips to Canada with friends and caught a lot of fish in Texas. He enjoyed bowling for many years, golfing, card games and gardening. Many people in Portage had a taste of his strawberries. He was a great Packer and Badger fan. He was a member of the American Legion and on the Honor Guard for many years. A highlight of his life was the Badger Honor Flight to Washington, DC in 2014 accompanied by his grandson, Jake. It was an amazing trip. After his retirement, he and Phyllis wintered in Rockport, Texas for 28 years where he caught many fish and had an abundance of wonderful friends including those at Faith Lutheran Church. He and Phyllis have traveled to every state except one. Far, far above his accomplishments has been his faith and love for God and God's redeeming Gift. He enjoyed Bible studies and read the portals of Prayer nightly since he was a boy. He let God lead him through this life and always felt blessed by Him. Ray passed in to God's loving arms on December 28, 2016 and now sees Him face to face. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Phyllis, of 62 years, daughters, Christine, Linda (John) Kellar Constance Trantow (Jay) Mitchell, Grandson, Jake Trantow, Brother, Eldon (Doris), Sisters, Carol Wallin, Dorothy (Leroy) Lathrop, Marilyn Holiday, Sister in Law, Joan Ring and many nieces and nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Florence Thronson.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00p.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2016 at Faith Lutheran Church in Aransas Pass and will continue from 2:30p.m.-4:30p.m. at Circle W RV Park at 1401 Smokehouse Rd. Rockport, Texas.