Wayne D. Johnson

PORTAGE –  Wayne D. Johnson, age 80, of Portage, died on Sunday, May 27, 2018 at Tivoli in Portage.

Wayne was born on December 16, 1937 in Portage, the son of Dallas and Margueriete (Nitz) Johnson.  He attended Woodford School in Lewiston Township and graduated from Portage High School in 1956.  He served in the Red Arrow Division of the 232 National Guard Battalion, which was the largest fighting infantry.  Wayne was married on June 20, 1959 to Beverly Biech.  He worked as a carpenter for M & N Builders in DeForest, and then was self-employed.  He enjoyed antique cars, especially his ’56 Ford Convertible, hunting and being in the outdoors.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly;  three daughters, Sharon (John) Maratik, Edgerton, Sandra (Christopher) Bolgrihn, Sun Prairie, and Susan (Michael) Wenker, Stoughton;  six grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Tyler Maratik, Alexandria and Jacob Bolgrihn, Dylan and Danielle Wenker;  special aunt, Larryne Crawford, Portage;  many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-father, Joseph Harmon, a sister, Marlene Poppie, and a brother-in-law, James Poppie, Sr.

Private funeral services will be held.  Burial will be in Welsh Cemetery, with military honors provided by Portage Area Veterans Honor Guard.

The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.                
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

The family would like to thank the staff at Tivoli and Agrace Hospice for their excellent care.