Racine- Stephen L. Johnson, 70, passed away peacefully at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center on Sunday, August 22, 2010 following a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Stephen was born in Milwaukee on March 14, 1940 to the late Virgil Edgar “Ed” Johnson and Nyra Lynetta (nee: Crouch) Nelson. He graduated from Redford High School (Detroit, MI) in 1957. Following, Steve went on to earn a business management degree from UW-Parkside and an accounting degree from Gateway Technical College. Steve faithfully served our Country with the United States Navy from 1957-61 as an airman on the flight deck aboard the USS Essex. On October 27, 1962 in St. Rose Catholic Church, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Penelope Lea “Penny” (nee: Jones). During his career, he was employed by Young Radiator, Case Corp., Northern Precision Castings, and Warren Industries. For the past 5 years, Steve enjoyed driving for the “Meals on Wheels” program at Lincoln Lutheran, where the customers loved him. Lincoln Lutheran honored Steve for his dedication by hosting a party for him in recognition of his 5-year anniversary this year. Stephen was a devoted member of St. Lucy Catholic Church, where he always looked forward to volunteering in the bingo tent at the annual festival. Most recently, he was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church. Among his interests, Steve enjoyed playing Santa Claus at Christmas time for family and friends; golfing; card games; fitness – especially jogging; and was a diehard Packer fan. Above all, his number one priority was being together with his entire family. Surviving are his loving wife of nearly 48 years, Penny; their daughters, Dawn (Larry) Dunkerly and Michelle (Edward) Hoffman; grandchildren, Stephen L. Johnson, Kaleb R. and Cecilia J. Dunkerly; and Zachary M. Hoffman; brother, Robert B. Johnson; sisters, Debra (Jim) Hunt and Heather Johnson; sisters-in-law, Gaylene (Martin) Ketterer and Debra (Thomas) Casper; brother-in-law, Charles (Judy) Jones; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his infant sister, Patricia Johnson; and by Penny’s parents, Myron and Cecilia (nee: Koenig) Jones. In accordance with his wishes, cremation will take place. A memorial service celebrating Steve’s life will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 11:00 am. Military honors will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Saturday from 9:30 – 11:00 am. Private entombment will take place at the S. Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In memory of Steve, memorials to the Lincoln Lutheran “Meals on Wheels” program have been suggested. A heartfelt note of thanks to Zabocki VA Medical Center – Palliative Care Unit and Hospice Alliance for the incredible care that Steve received. Special thanks to all our family and friends, including Penny’s extended family and co-workers at Becker-Shoop Center, for all you have done for us during this past year. May God bless all of you!
Sign the Guestbook