William E. Johnson

PORTAGE  -- William E. Johnson, age 98, of Portage, died on Saturday, July 24, 2010 at the Columbia Health Care Center in Wyocena.

William was born on February 13, 1912, the oldest son of Christopher and Agnes Johnson.  He owned and operated the Hillside Garage on Highway 51 (now CX) for many years.  William also farmed for many years and continued with his repair shop for neighbors.  Later he worked at Badger Ordnance.  After retiring, he restored old engines, tractors and cars.  His hobbies included hunting, fishing, playing violin and antique tractor pulling.

He is survived by two sons, Jeffery (Kathy) and Daniel (Barb), both of rural Pardeeville;  a sister, Ruby Masten, of Portage;  his grandchildren, Kimberly Gulbranson (fiancé, Jeff Tessman), Reiko McTier, Natalie (Steven) James and Matthew (Kimberly) Johnson;  his great-grandchildren, Daniel, Katie, Maggie and Eddy Gulbranson, Garet and Gavin McTier;  many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Christ and Agnes;  his brother and sister-in-law, Elmer and Lucille Johnson;  his sisters and brothers-in-law, Annie and Lester “Heinie” Reif, and Laura and Ed Riley;  and his brother-in-law, Clyde Masten, Sr. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Portage, with Fr. Jim Murphy presiding.  Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, Lewiston Township.  Visitation will be from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, and on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the church.        

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