Ward A.

Johnson

Ward Arvid Johnson, 89, passed away on June 2, 2024, at The View in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin.

Ward was born on August 23, 1934, to Wilbur and Olga (Gilbertson) Johnson in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The family resided in Morrisonville, Wisconsin until moving to Lake Mills in 1945. Ward later graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1952.

Ward began his career as an auditor for the State of Wisconsin and later for Clark Oil Company. He joined the US Navy in 1956 and was a Storekeeper for the USS Swordfish (SSN579) during its commissioning. For the remainder of his active duty, he was assigned to US Submarine Headquarters in New London, CT. He volunteered to drive base staff and admirals to the New York airport and was known for providing the fastest service, which he credited to steady speeds and approved use of state police lanes at toll gates.

Ward returned to Lake Mills in 1960. He began working as a senior programmer for Hamlin, Inc., where he installed their first computer system. He married Judith Robbins in 1962, whom he met while stationed in New London, CT. Ward was an assistant scoutmaster for Troop 175 at the First Congregational Church for several years.

Ward was an avid cyclist. He rode several local metric centuries (62-mile trips) and a few centuries (100-mile trips) around the state. He got to know many of the rural dog population. Ward drove "sag wagon" for many local rides. He also enjoyed go-karting, having laid out a "road course" in a local farmer's pasture where he dodged thistles and cow pies.

Ward moved to Hortonville, Wisconsin in the early 1980s and was employed as a computer analyst for many years. He worked at Midtec Paper Company as a data processing manager, also for Office Technology, Inc and later as a private consultant, where he serviced customers in a five-state area. He was very proud of his low Microsoft certification number (200's) and relished the reaction he'd get when he solved computing problems that stumped some of the younger generation. After retiring, he drove for Straight Shot Delivery Service in the Appleton area. He moved back to Lake Mills in July 2018.

Ward was a 50-year member of Wisconsin Masonic Lodge F and AM (Jefferson County #9) and a member of Valley of Madison Scottish Rite since 1978. He was a former member of the First Congregational UCC of Lake Mills.

Ward was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

A special thank you to the staff and nurses at The View and Rainbow Hospice staff for the excellent care they provided over for the past three years. Ward often expressed how much he appreciated their care and kind treatment. A special thank you to Pastor Lance Lackore, of the First Congregational UCC in Lake Mills, for his visits with Ward.

Memorials can be directed to Rainbow Hospice, Jefferson County Humane Society, or First Congregational UCC in Lake Mills.

There will be a private graveside service at a later date.

www.claussenfuneralhome.com