Eric "EJ" Merlin Johnson, age 41, died on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

EJ was born in Seattle, WA where he spent the earlier part of his life. He moved to Wisconsin when he was 12, attended Whitehall schools, and after school divided his time between Wisconsin and Washington.

EJ was a college student and was three courses away from earning his bachelor's degree in computer science. He most recently worked at Menards distribution center driving forklift. He worked as a professional painter for many of his younger years, but he most enjoyed his landscaping work with Meadowlark and building with Custom Structures.

His smile was contagious, you couldn't help but smile with him. EJ was always there to help anyone who needed it. He would give you the shirt off his back. He had done it more than once. He was the life of the party and had the biggest heart. He loved everyone, was loyal to a fault, and had a way of making you feel like the most important person in the room when he would talk to you. He did everything he could to make sure his children knew they were his world.

EJ's love was shown in his big hugs, which were the best of all time. He would also give you his undivided attention and complete honesty. He didn't care if you may not have liked what he had to say, he cared enough to not sugar coat things or mince words. Having a filter was not his thing.

Family was everything to EJ. That family never stopped growing. Once you were in his life, you were family forever.

EJ is survived by his parents, Diane Passehl, Eric Johnson and Jeff Mendez;  mother of his children and love of his life, Cristie Hutter; their children, Susie Hutter, Maddy Hutter (Shawn), Eryka Hutter (Carter) and Cashton Hutter; his loyal companion, best friend and furbaby, Thor; Godchildren, Aiden Haines and Autumn Johnston; brothers, Tim Nygard, Mike Mendez (April), Brad Leonard (Kristi) and Bryan Ammon (Patti); his sissy, Susie Stevens; adopted brother and sister, Jay and Angie; special friends, Monique and Aaron; Hhs beloved nephews and niece, Timmy Stevens (Lorilei), Sonny Nygard, Riley Nygard (Leah), Jason Hinrichs, James Mendez and Lexi Mendez. He is further survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.

EJ was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Merlan and Betty Johnson; maternal grandparents, Charles Poupart and Delores O'Malley; several aunts, uncles, other family and friends.

Services will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall at 2:00 P.M. Visitation will take place from noon until the time of service. Celebration of life to follow at CJ's in Whitehall.  In honor of EJ, please wear your Seahawks gear.