Obituary of Joe Johnson

Joe K. Johnson, 80, of Palm City, FL, formerly a longtime resident of Janesville, WI, died peacefully at home on August 7, 2008 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on November 24, 1927 in Janesville to Joe and Bertha (Knutson) Johnson. Joe graduated from Janesville High School in 1945, and was an Army Veteran, serving in World War II. He then graduated from Milton College in WI where he was a loyal supporter and past President of the Board of Trustees.

Joe was an active family businessman instrumental in the growth and the proprietor of the following companies; Lions Oil Company, Johnson Lions, Inc., Lyons Mechanical Contractors, Johnson/Ryan Holding Co., Universal Energy Corp., Enmarc Corp., Touson Development Corp., Freedom Plastics, and Fiberglass Engineered Products in WI. He also served as a director of the First National Bank Holding Co. in Janesville.

Mr. Johnson was a generous man who had many civic interests and professional affiliations; The Lions Club, The Elks Club and The Jaycees. Additionally, he was a past member of the Janesville Area Chamber of Commercewhere he served in many capacities including past President and was awarded Young Man of the Year. He was a Mason and Shriner, and was active in the WI Petroleum Association, WI LP Gas Association, and Florida Petroleum Association.

In the 1970s Mr. Johnson moved to Fort Pierce, FL and later to Palm City, FL. His business interests included Johnson Oil Co. and Johnson Ryan, Inc. serving four Florida counties.

He was a member of the Janesville Country Club in WI, Pelican Yacht Club and Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club (founding member and 1st. Commodore), FL.

Mr. Johnson was of Christian faith and a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Palm City, FL.

Joe is survived by his wife of 23 years, Marnie (Margaret) Phair Johnson of Palm City, FL; his son Jim L. (Ann) Johnson of Janesville, WI; his daughter Sue P. Johnson of Madison, WI; his grandchildren; Jenny Johnson, Bill (Cassie) Johnson and Charlie Johnson of Denver, CO; his twin sister Johnnie (Bill) Ryan of Janesville, and several nieces and nephews. Joe was predeceased by his parents and son Joe B. Johnson.

Joe had a great love of family, business associates and made many friends throughout his life. He truly loved the outdoors including duck and pheasant hunting, golfing, boating and most of all tournament fishing in Florida and the Bahamas. Joe was an avid Green Bay Packers fan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 1454 SW Mapp Road, Palm City, FL. An inurnment will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, August 15, 2008 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., with a prayer service to begin at 7:00 p.m. at Forest Hills Funeral Home, Palm City Chapel, 2001 SW Murphy Road, Palm City, FL. The family requests that those planning an expression of sympathy may consider Treasure Coast Hospice, 1201 SE Indian Street, Stuart, FL 34997 or Caring Children/Clothing Children, Inc. (4Cs), P. O. Box 512, Palm City, FL 34991-0512. A guest registry may be signed at www.foresthillsfunerals.com