Jeffery W. Johnson

PORTAGE – Jeffery W. Johnson, age 78, of Pacific Township, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024, at Aspirus Divine Savior surrounded by his loving family.

Jeff was born on March 13, 1946, the son of William and Margaret (Mlodzik) Johnson in Portage, Wisconsin.  Jeff graduated from Portage High School in 1964.  He then went to UW-Oshkosh for one year prior to enlisting in the United States Marines.  On October 21, 1972, Jeff married Kathleen Fitzgerald.  That union was blessed with their daughter, Natalie, and son, Matthew.  Jeff worked for Michels Pipeline, as Foreman, for many years.  He then transferred to Columbia Generating Plant, working as Heavy Equipment Operator.  After retiring, Jeff worked at H & R Block doing tax preparation, while continuing to cut and sell firewood, as he had for decades.  Jeff is a member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Portage.  He loved NASCAR, as well as, motorcycling, ATVing, was an avid reader, and loved anything to do with the outdoors.  He also restored antique tractors and in his younger years competed in Antique Tractor Pulling.  Jeff loved to travel and made sure his two children experienced many new and exciting family vacations, get-togethers, campfires, and Euchre games.     

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; daughter, Natalie (Steven) James; son, Matthew (Kelly) Johnson; brother, Dan Johnson; brother-in-law, Vince Fitzgerald; sisters-in-law, Georgia Fitzgerald and Gail Fitzgerald; other relatives, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters-in-law, Barb Johnson, Dianne Fitzgerald, and Donna Derr; brothers-in-law, Leon Derr, Pat Fitzgerald, and Dave Fitzgerald; and niece, Kimberly Tessmann.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 26, 2024, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Portage, Wisconsin with Fr. Randy Timmerman and Fr. Ray Dischler concelebrating.  Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery with Military Honors provided by Portage Area Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 26, 2024, at the church.

The family would like to thank Dr. Brenda Blohm, Drs. Ian and Kelly Coker, the Aspirus Hospital Nurses and the Aspirus at Home Nurses, Erika, Jen, Michelle, Chelsea, and the staff at Brightstar at Home staff.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.