Argene R. Johnson (Gene), age 75, peacefully passed away at his home in Danbury Wisconsin with his wife by his side.

Gene was the first baby born in the new year at Frederic Hospital on January 4, 1949, to William C. and Esther H. (Zillmer) Johnson. Gene spent the first four ½ years of his education at Lone Pine School, attended Danbury Elementary for one year and spent the remaining years at Webster, graduating in 1967. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Superior with honors with a major in Biology and a minor in Geology.

After graduating from college, Gene went straight into construction work. He spent one year in Florida working before returning to Wisconsin to start a business, PA Inc, with Harris Hills installing public water systems. They sold the business in the mid 80’s and Gene went to work building bridges throughout the Midwest area, primarily in the Twin Cities area, retiring from the Carpenter’s Union in 2004.

Gene grew up on the family farm where he learned many skills from his dad that would carry him forward in life. He could fix or build just about anything, and you often would find family or friends stopping by to ask for his advice.

Gene always embraced life. He will be forever remembered by those who knew him for his infectious laugh. It was a very hearty, boisterous laugh that came from his soul, and everyone loved it! He enjoyed the outdoors, spending his younger years trapping anything from muskrats, beavers and even skunks! One cannot put into words his love of deer hunting and fishing. He lived for each season and shared many stories over the years of his experience with his family and friends.

He met his wife, Kim Heath in 1987, where his life took a 180-degree change. He went from being a single, independent man to jumping into a fulltime relationship and taking on the role of a father figure to Kim’s four children. They dated for 14 years before tying the knot in July 2001. They had a life that was a whirlwind of experiences leaving his family with many memories to treasure forever.

Gene is proceeded in death by his parents William C. Johnson and Esther H. Johnson, brother James K. Johnson, sister-in-law, Beverly A. Johnson, and stepdaughter Billie Jo Geisler. He will be greatly missed by those he left behind, his wife, Kim, stepchildren Miki (Russ) Messer, Jody Koerper, Jake (Jamie) Geisler, brother Dale (Marlys) Johnson. His grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Kaleb) Hill, Austin Moser, Winter Messer, Katie, Hannah, and Grace Koerper, Chase Cadotte and Joely and Jorgia Geisler. Also, nieces Pam (Kevin) O’Brien, Susan (Mark) Doriott and nephews Kevin (Ellen) Johnson and Brent (Rachel) Johnson along with many other family members and friends.

A service will be held on June 19, 2024, at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Webster, WI at 3:00 p.m. (Visitation 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.) with a celebration of life following the service at Whitetail Wilderness Bar and Grill, Webster WI.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home.

Last Update: Jun 17, 2024 1:08 pm CDT