Obituary of Edward Harold Johnson

In Loving Memory

Edward H. Johnson

November 27, 1931 – April 25, 2023

Edward “Ed” H. Johnson

Age 91, of Colby, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Clark County Rehabilitation & Living Center under the tender care of Heartland Hospice with loving family by his side.

A public visitation with be held on Friday, May 12, 2023 from 10:30 AM until 11:30 AM at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Colby.  A service will be held at 11:30 AM. Interment to follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Colby VFW Post #2227. Family and friends are welcome to attend a reception luncheon at St. Mary's Catholic School gymnasium after funeral service.

Ed was born on November 27, 1931, in Ladysmith to Oswald and Agnes (Krisik) Johnson. He attended grade school in the Town of Cedar Rapids and graduated from Glen Flora High School in 1950.  Ed was selected to serve in the United States Army and served in the Korean War from November 29, 1951 to November 19, 1953. Ed was the recipient of the military Bronze Star Medal for his acts of valor during combat.

On August 11, 1956, Ed was united in marriage to the love of his life, Rose Marie Kuduk at St. Augustine Catholic Parish in Ingram, WI. They lived in Milwaukee, WI from 1956-1960 and Ed worked at Inland Steel. They moved to the Colby area in 1960, where they purchased a dairy farm in the Town of Colby.    Together they farmed, raised three children, built a home and enjoyed polka dancing.  Ed retired from farming in 2006.

He was a member of St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Colby as well as a lifetime member of the Colby VFW Post 2227.

Ed enjoyed working on the farm and woodworking. He had a knack for fixing things. He also enjoyed time spent with farm animals. He was an avid journalist. Later in life he enjoyed planting trees, mowing the lawn and riding his 3-wheeler.  Ed was a hardworking, loving and compassionate husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who will be deeply missed. 

Ed is survived by his wife Rose of 66 years; his sons, Steve (Cathy) Johnson of Colby, James (Tammy) Johnson of Pittsville and daughter, Beverly (Steve) Halopka of Medford; his grandchildren: Kevin Johnson, Jessica (Adam) Huston,  Andy (Ashley) Halopka, Kelsey Halopka, Jordyn Halopka; his step grandchildren:  Nate Fitense, Jason Fitense, Ryan (Marcy) Fitense and six great-grandchildren. He is further survived by family friend, Donna Fitense; his siblings: brother, Robert Johnson and sisters, Virginia Kopacz, Marian (Richard) Tobias and Margaret (Mike) Scrivner; nieces and nephews. 

Ed is preceded in death by his parents; twin brother William “Bill” Johnson; in-laws; four brothers-in-laws and two sisters-in-laws. 

If desired, memorials in Edward’s name can be directed to St. Mary’s Catholic School or to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Mr. Johnson’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com.