JOHNSON, Basil "Jet" L., age 84

Died: Thursday, June 29th, 2017

Memorial Gathering: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at the funeral home

Interment: Pleasant Valley Lutheran Church Cemetery, Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin

Basil "Jet" Johnson, age 84, passed away on Thursday, June 29, 2017, at his home near Eleva, WI.  He was born in Ettrick, WI, to the late Basil and Emma (Steinberg) Johnson on April 8, 1933.

Jet was raised in the Strum area and was a 1952 graduate of Eleva-Strum Central High School. Following high school, Jet married Audrey Sands on September 27, 1952, sharing 56 years of marriage. During the spring of 1953, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, being stationed in Japan later that year.

Once discharged from the Army, he returned home and attended Chippewa Valley Technical College. Initially he worked for the Gamble Robinson Company, but spent the majority of his work life at National Presto Industries in Lake Hallie. There he became the service manager for the Repair Division until his retirement. He also was an assessor for several local townships.

Jet enjoyed softball, deer and turkey hunting, fishing, traveling, and was an avid Packer/Badger fan. He and Audrey traveled to Hawaii, Alaska, Norway, and Europe. They also enjoyed a good auction and finding items for their collections. He carved turkey calls which always "talked" in the big ones. Jet and Audrey built their own home, finding its panoramic view and tranquility from the deck one of their favorite assets.

He is survived by his daughters, Vickie (John) Waters of Greenwood, WI and Janine Johnson (significant other, Paul Palmes) of Prescott, WI; sons, Eric of Eau Claire and Jon of Mondovi, WI; grandchildren, Sara (Jake) Olson of Rhinelander, WI, Erin (Dustin) Kuchera of Rochester, MN, Nathan Waters of Superior, WI, Gracie and Emma Johnson of Eleva, WI; great granddaughters, Eveyln and Scarlett Olson; brother, Lyle (Janice) Johnson of Marshfield, WI; sister, Betty (Allan) Sly of Spooner, WI; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Jet was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey; his parents; and brothers, Milan and Burton Johnson.