Gary "Svend" Johnson, age 74, of Blair, died on Monday, March 23, 2020 in the Grand View Care Center in Blair.

Gary was born on October 21, 1945 in Galesville to Svend and Minnie (Gunderson) Johnson. He graduated from the Blair High School and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Gary was employed as a shipping department foreman with AMPI in Blair prior to his retirement.

Gary played football and softball and enjoyed following all of the Blair-Taylor sporting events. He was also an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, the Milwaukee Braves, the Milwaukee Brewers and the Wisconsin Badgers. Gary loved bowling and was affectionately known as the "Tappen Coulee Star". He also enjoyed pulling the neighbor kids around in the Blair Cheese Fest Kiddie Parade.

Gary was a 50 year member of the Knudtson-Mattison American Legion Post #231.

Gary is survived by a brother, Duane (Greta) Johnson of Blair; a sister, Janet Applequist of Minneapolis, MN; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, James M. and Maxine Johnson; a brother-in-law, Paul Applequist and several aunts and uncles.

Private family graveside services with military rites will be held with a public celebration of Gary's life at a later date.

The Jack Funeral Home in Blair is assisting the family with arrangements.