Kenneth Johnson

Kenneth M. Johnson, age 89 of Menomonie, passed away Thursday, May 8 at Waukesha Memorial Hospital.

Kenneth Melvin Johnson was born to Melvin and Ina Johnson in Boyceville, WI, July 25, 1935. Where the family had a dairy farm just outside of Boyceville, WI. Kenneth attended the Boyceville school system graduating from Boyceville High School.

After high school he joined the US Naval Air Force where he was based in several countries, including Iceland. While in the military he became an electrician with his post. Following the military, he attended UW Eau Claire obtaining a degree in education and history. During this time, he met and married Orrinne Oakland on June 19, 1960.

After their marriage he took a teaching and coaching position at Owen-Withee High School in 1961, working there for five years and had their first child (Carl Johnson). He then accepted a teaching and coaching position at Menomonie High School in 1966. They soon had their second child (Geraldine Johnson). They built their first home that was designed by Orrinne and built eight more designed for other families.

Kenneth earned his master's degree at UW-LaCrosse and then his administration degree at UW-Superior. After finishing his additional degrees, he became the Menomonie High Schools' athletic director in 1974. He was promoted to activities director in 1980. During his 30 years at Menomonie High School, through his leadership, he achieved having many students and teams win championships and developed an artist in residence program. In 1992, he was given the award of WIAA Director of the Year. In 2016, Menomonie High School inducted him into their Hall of Fame.

Kenneth and Orrinne traveled throughout the United States with their children and grandchildren. They also did many trips to other countries, including China.

The family loved to golf, boat, and downhill ski with many trips to Colorado together.

Kenneth and Orrinne helped organize the New Life Lutheran Church as founding members. He was also a member of the Optimist Club and Booster Club.

Kenneth is survived by his son, Carl and his wife, Diana, and their family; along with daughter, Geraldine 'Gerri,' her husband Jeff and their children, Andrew, Steven, Tasha; with great-grandchildren, Aurora, Althea, Faith, Isla, Vivianne, Issac, and Liam.

Kenneth was a loving husband, wonderful father, grandfather and of leader both to family and community.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday May 19 at New Life Lutheran Church in Menomonie, WI with Pastor George Schrader officiating. There will be a visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI on Sunday May 18 and one hour prior to the service on Monday. A luncheon will follow the service. Burial will be at Tiffany Cemetery in Boyceville, WI with military honors performed by Amvets Legion Post #72.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at olsonfuneral.com.