Fred Edward Johnson Sr., age 86, of Shell Lake entered into eternal life on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at Cambridge Senior Living in Rice Lake. He was born October 12, 1938 to Edward and Tekla Johnson.

He was married at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oulu, WI on August 2, 1958 to Elaine (Hebert) Johnson, who preceded him in death on July 9, 2022.

Fred was a well educated and accomplished man. His schooling began at South Shore High, where he graduated in the class of 1956. Following high school he studied at the University of Illinois, where he received a Bachelor's Degree in 1960, and a Masters of Education degree in 1962. Finally, he obtained an Education Science degree from WSU-Superior in 1975.

Many communities were blessed to have Fred as their teacher, principal, or superintendent, including Collom and Saunemin in Illinois and the Wisconsin districts of Winter, Johnson Creek, Shell Lake, St. Croix Falls, and lastly, Osceola.

Fred cared deeply about these districts, and served as the President of WASDA, the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators.

Outside of school, he enjoyed time outdoors, ice fishing, deer hunting, and playing lots of golf. He and Elaine loved to travel together, especially to Texas, where they wintered in their retirement years. If Fred was stuck indoors, you could find him watching sports of all kinds, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, or playing a competitive game of cribbage.

Fred and Elaine were dedicated to their faith, donating much of their time to Teens Encounter Christ, and teaching confirmation and catechism classes. Fred was ordained as a Catholic Deacon on July 29, 1995.

We are quite sure that Fred and Elaine are happily dancing together again in Heaven.

He is survived by children, Fred (Megan) Johnson and Wendy (Don) Kendzior; grandchildren, Ashley, Danielle, Mitchell, and Emily; great-grandchildren, Bella, Frankie, Violet, Ann, Evangeline, and Elijah; and many other dear family and friends

Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine Johnson; parents, Edward and Tekla Johnson; and sister, Tekla “Arlene” (Joe) Rex.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 AM on Friday, September 5, 2025 at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church of Spooner. Visitation will be held two hours prior to Mass at church. A luncheon is planned following the service.

Interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, East Farmington, WI.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Diocese of Superior, the Bishop’s Legacy Circle. Monetary gifts in memory of Fred will be donated to this fund. You can also give directly by accessing the Diocese of Superior website.

Last Update: Aug 25, 2025 7:36 am CDT