JAMES M. JOHNSON
BLAIR, WI DATELINE

James Marlin Johnson, age 79, of Blair, died on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 in the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in LaCrosse.

James was born on March 30, 1933 in Blair, WI to Sven and Minnie (Gunderson) Johnson. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1952 to 1956.

James married Maxine Ingalls on November 8, 1959 in Nashua, IA. They raised their family in Waukesha, WI and then returned back to Blair. James was employed as a welder with the Soo Line Railroad. After his retirement from the railroad he worked at the Ettrick Lumber Company in Ettrick and Phonco in Galesville.

James is survived by his wife, Maxine; five children, Jacqueline (Dan) Riesing and Jill Johnson both of Waukesha, Sandy Johnson and Sally Werchowski both of Melrose, WI and Jimmy (Tracey) Johnson Jr. of Clearwater, FL; three step-children, Margaret (Ken) Long of Big Flats, WI, Marsha Foster of Waukesha and Melinda Sorensen of New Berlin; two brothers, Duane "Sonny" (Greta) Johnson and Gary "Sven" Johnson both of Blair; a sister, Janet (Paul) Applequisp of Minneapolis, MN; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by two step-sons, Raymond and Roger Sorenson.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in the Blair Lutheran Church East in Blair with Pastor Barbara Bruneau officiating. Military services will be conducted by the Knudtson-Mattison American Legion Post #231. Friends may call one hour prior to the service.

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