Ralph Gordon Johnson, age 92, of Blair, died on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 in the Gundersen Health System in LaCrosse.

Ralph was born on July 6, 1925 in rural Blair, to Albert and Gena (Mickelson) Johnson. He married Evangeline Mae Koepke on September 2, 1953 in Blair. Evangeline preceded Ralph in death on December 27, 2014.

Ralph was employed with AMPI in Blair for 34 years prior to his retirement. He also did local lawn care and snow removal and was a caretaker and helped dig graves with his friends Duane "Sunny" Johnson and Freeman Benedict for the Rest Haven Cemetery Association in Blair for 20 years. Ralph received the Blair Cheese Fest Civic Award in 2006.

Ralph raised his children to be self sufficient and enjoyed attending his children's and grandchildren's sporting events.   He enjoyed dancing and following the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers and the Milwaukee Brewers. Ralph looked forward to going out on Saturday mornings with his daughter, Gail, for a drive, to talk to Evangeline and spend time at his home.

Ralph is survived by seven children, Jeff Johnson of Blair, Dorene (Ken) Betz of West Bend, Sarah Johnson of Blair, Gail (friend, Pete) Rauss of Whitehall, Gordon Johnson of Blair, Robbie Johnson of Rockford, IL and Bruce (Judy) Johnson of Blair; fourteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Alice Herried and Ruth Ekern both of Blair; sisters-in-law, Jean Johnson of Blair, Lorraine (Ron) Paulson of Red Wing, MN, Myrtle (Norman) Nordby of Whitehall, Marie (Clarence) Schultz of Minnesota, Viola Sveen of Minnesota and Ella Mae Johnson of Madison.

In addition to his parents and wife, Ralph was preceded in death by a daughter, Dianne; an infant daughter, Theresa; a brother, Harold Johnson and a sister, Esther Roseth.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, December 11, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. in Blair Lutheran Church East with burial in the Rest Haven Cemetery both in Blair. Pastor Cathleen Morris will officiate. Friends may call from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Grand View Care Center activity department.

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