Mr. Paul L. Johnson, 78, died at Aurora Medical Center on Saturday, December 27, 2008. He was born in Waukegan on August 3, 1930 to the late Eric A. and Emelia (nee: Hokans) Johnson. Mr. Johnson proudly served his nation with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After the war, he married the love of his life, Marilyn J. Nichols on April 3, 1954 at Calvary Temple Assembly of God Church in Waukegan. They moved to the Kenosha area shortly afterward. He worked for Outboard Marine Corporation for 41 ½ years. Mr. Johnson was a passionate member of the Korean Veterans S.E. WI Chapter 227 whose mission serves all veterans in need. In addition, he was a member of the Racine Carvers Club where he spent countless hours with his fellow wood carvers and dear friends. Also an artist, Mr. Johnson enjoyed his time painting. However, he was happiest when he was in the surroundings of his family. His survivors include his dear wife, Marilyn Johnson of Pleasant Prairie; daughters, Linda (David) Neece of Seattle, WA, Lisa (John) Franklin of Racine, Leslie Johnson of Merrill, WI., grandchildren, Angela Roepenack, Joshua Neece, Jinifer (Sean) Mapes, Christopher Neece, Ashley and Rachael Franklin, Eric and Stephanie Zengler; great grandchildren; Riley, Madison and Payton Mapes; brother, Edmund Johnson of Alabama; sister, Betty (Lawrence) Thomas of Bristol, WI; brother-in-law, James Nichols of Waukegan; as well as many dear nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant children, Paul Arthur and Laurie Johnson; an infant brother, LeRoy and sister, Gladys (Donald) Hogan. A service celebrating Mr. Johnson’s life will be held at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Friday evening, January 2, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. There will be a visitation in the funeral home from 4-6 p.m. His burial will take place with military honors in the Northshore Garden of Memories chapel (1801 Green Bay Rd. North Chicago, IL 60064) on Saturday a 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to the Korean Veterans S.E. Wisconsin Chapter 227, WVCY 3434 W. Kilbourn Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53208 and the Lakeview Christian Church in Zion, Illinois (2300 Joanna Ave. Zion, IL 60099)
Michael P. Hogan says
My deepest sympathies to my Uncle Paul’s Family. I have cherished childhood memories of my uncle that will always be with me.
God Bless you Uncle Paul
Nicole Haupt says
Dear Lisa,
My deepest sympathies for your loss.
Nicole
Fred Johnson says
I will always remember Uncle Paul�۪s quick charming smile, the sparkle in his eye and that enlightening laughter that illuminated his presence.
He was an inventor, an artist and above all a wonderful family man who I have tremendous admiration for.
Uncle Paul�۪s artistic abilities not only encompassed working with wood but extended to drawing, painting, mechanics, on and on. His talents will be remembered by everyone and especially by those whom he gifted with his skills thru his art. My wife Kathie and I have many of his works that we will cherish forever..
We all will miss you.
Glory be to God.
Revelation 21:4
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.
Jim Becker says
Condolences to Paul’s family from his comrades of Korean War Veterans Assc. Chapter-227. Paul was an integral part of all of our activities, and he will be missed, but never “NOT FORGOTTEN”.
George H. Jenkins says
May Paul find his old friends in heaven; as we will miss him here on earth. My I also offer my condolences to his loved ones. We of the Korean War vets will miss him and look forward to seeing him again some day when we too pass on.
Dan Ouimet says
Paul and I spent many hours together sharing memories of our military life.
It was a pleasure to hear his love for his family.He was and always will be, a comrade in arms.
Susan Manegold says
I knew Paul for a short time, but what an impression he made. So charmingly handsome and such a warm spirit. I so fondly remember singing with him at Linda and Dave’s 50th birthday celebration.
I was very honored to have Paul give me one of his beautiful art pieces which I cherish.
My heart is breaking for you all as I know the pain is deep and I’m here for you Linda for whatever condolence I can provide…Love you.
Eric Manegold says
I had the pleasure of meeting Paul when he came to visit Linda and Dave. As their neighbor across the street I had the privilege of good visits and experiencing his kindness. As a master technician it was always a pleasure to ask his advice on why my lawn mower would not start…he always knew the answer without touching a wrench.
Paul also shared his woodcarving craft by giving us a few of his beautiful carvings. The bird, the bear the fish carvings will always remind us of this great man.