JOHNSON, Wayne

Vistoso Funeral Home, Oro Valley, Arizona Wayne Johnson July 29, 1924 - December 20, 2013 Wayne Johnson passed away the day after he and wife Betty Johnson celebrated their 61st Wedding Anniversary, in Tucson, AZ. He passed on 20 December, 2013. A dignified man of great personal integrity, the world enjoyed Wayne for 89 years. Wayne was born in Manhattan, Kansas. His parents, Harry F. Johnson and Hattie E. Cederberg, were both children of Swedish emigrants. Wayne often sang “The Lord’s Prayer” as a child in church while growing up in Kansas. He attended a two room grade school and graduated from Manhattan High School. He had two years of college at Kansas State University as the Second World War began. Wayne volunteered for the V-12 Program at the University of Minnesota which led to his commissioning in the U.S. Navy. Much younger than his peers, 19 year old Ensign Johnson reported to the Heavy Cruiser USS Columbus (CA-74) as the Combat Information Officer. A combat veteran, he and ship participated in the Western Pacific Campaigns and after the war ended, occupation duties. Wayne continued to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve, retiring as a Commander in 1973. After returning from the war, Wayne resumed studies at the University of Minnesota earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. His first job after the war was at Maytag in Newton, Iowa followed by a job with Marathon Paper Company in Wisconsin. After Wayne and Betty married and started their family they moved to Dallas, Texas with Collins Radio. Six years later, returning to the Midwest, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wayne accepted a position as Production Manager of the Paperboard Products Division of Consolidated Papers, Inc. Wayne had a variety of positions over the four decades that followed, retiring as the Corporate Director of Industrial Engineering in 1989. Wayne, a strong community leader, established a Cub Scout Troop that tripled in size while he served as Cubmaster. He started an Independent Youth Baseball League that was so successful it spread nationwide and in Wisconsin Rapids the Little League eventually merged with it. He served in the Methodist Church in many positions, most notably in charge of the church building expansion. A man ahead of the times, Wayne fully supported Betty’s professional career throughout their marriage. Wayne and Betty raised their three children in Wisconsin Rapids. Two followed their father into the Navy rising to senior ranks (Captain Kathryn A. DiMaggio and Rear Admiral Stephen E. Johnson). Their youngest son (Michael W. Johnson) has kept the home fires burning in Wisconsin Rapids. He has two grandchildren, JoAnne and Brian DiMaggio. Wayne was extremely proud of his family and their accomplishments. Wayne and Betty moved to Arizona in 2001 to enjoy retirement and the golf links at Saddlebrook. Later they moved to Splendido where Wayne was sought for his stories. He was often spotted at a table in the Marbella Room telling tales with a twist. Wayne was an avid hunter, fisherman, semi-pro baseball player, bowler, curler and golfer. He planned and led many family trips into the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota which included much of the extended Johnson Clan. Wayne was a gem of a man who is missed by all who knew him.