JOHNSON, Gordon E., age 86

Died: Thursday, July 21st, 2011

Visitation: 2:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home and also one hour prior to service at church
Elks Vigil Service: 4:30 p.m.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 25, 2011 at Hope Lutheran Church (corner of Starr Avenue and Eddy Lane) with Reverend Roger Skatrud officiating

Interment: Lakeview Cemetery, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hope Lutheran Church or the Gideons

Gordon E. Johnson , age 86, of Eau Claire died on Thursday, July 21, 2011 at Sacred Heart Hospital.

Gordon, son of the late Sigvart and Minnie (Rhude) Johnson, was born on March 25, 1925. At the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific Theater during WWII. He was united in marriage to Mavis Johnson on September 27, 1946.

Gordon was employed with City of Eau Claire. He started with the street department and served as president of the Local 284.  He retired in 1984 as superintendent of the Parks and Recreation Department.

In his younger years, he enjoyed playing in a men's softball league, bowling, and water skiing. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting with his Labrador retrievers. After retiring, he took up golfing and spent winters in Arizona and Texas. He also enjoyed beating his friends and relatives at dominos and cards.

He will be greatly missed by his surviving children, Sandra Johnson of Golden Valley, MN, Janice (Larry) Beckfield of Shippensburg, PA, and Michael Johnson of Eau Claire; grandchildren, Brian (Chris), Angie (Doug), and Nathan; great grandchildren, Hailey, Rianon, Cody, Rachel, Logan, Beau, and Nicholas; special friend, Joanne Smith; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mavis; sisters, Elaine Leazott and Joyce Wells.