Allen O. Johnson

Allen Odeen Johnson, 64, of Viroqua, passed away at his home on Thursday, September 7, 2023.
 

Al (or Allie as he was known to his sisters) was born on August 16, 1959 in Whitehall, Wisconsin to Kenneth and Janette (Peters) Johnson. He was welcomed home by his big brother, Bruce, to their home in Rogness Coulee, rural Ettrick. Two years later, the family moved to a home on a few acres east of Franklin, rural Melrose. Bruce and Al, followed by Charlie, explored the woods around their home, building a tree house in a big oak tree, riding their bikes to the sand corner, and sledding on the neighbor’s hill. Good-natured fighting often took place, sometimes resulting in scrapes, cuts and bruises. One of Al’s favorite things to do growing up was to say he was going to bed before his siblings, then hide under his sisters’ bed and grab their legs, scaring them so much!
 

Al loved the outdoors and often would be out long after darkness fell, and we always joked that he could see in the dark. He loved fishing, trapping, hunting, and had a green thumb. Along with his brothers, he played slow-pitch softball for many years. The Johnson Boys were a force in the infield…Bruce on 3rd, Al at short, and Charlie at 2nd, as well as in the batting line-up. Many, many league and tournament championships were won over the years.

Al graduated from Melrose-Mindoro High School in 1977, participating in track and field and baseball. His first job was at the Ettrick Feed Mill, where he worked for many years. The endless feed dust lead him to suffer irreparable lung damage. Following the job at the feed mill, he worked for Ashley Furniture, Wilber Lime, and Regal Beloit to name a few.
 

Al is survived by his 3 children: Brooke (Uriah) Wooden, Onalaska, and Heidi and Brandon Johnson of La Crosse; one grandson, Wyatt Wooden; siblings: Bruce and Charlie (Paula) of Taylor, Dawn (Kurt) Krueger of Marshfield, and Kari of Melrose; uncle and aunts: Darwin and Marlene Peters and Judy Peters, all of Blair; and a number of nieces. His parents preceded him in death.
 

The Roth Family Cremation Center and Funeral Services is assisting the family.

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