Forrest & Olive Johnson

Olive "Ollie" Johnson

September 8, 1927 — May 1, 2020

Olive Elizabeth La Fave Johnson, 92, passed away peacefully at Friendly Village Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rhinelander, Wisconsin on May 1, 2020. She was born in Bessemer, Michigan, to John and Saima La Fave of Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin. Olive attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan, where she met her husband-to-be, Forrest Johnson. Upon graduation from college, Ollie and Forrie moved back to Manitowish Waters, where they lived and worked with Ollie‘s parents at La Fave’s Resort on Island Lake and where they eventually built their home and raised their five children. 

After raising her children, Ollie decided to put her education to work and began teaching at Lakeland High School in Minocqua, where she taught typing and business for 15 years. Her priority was always serving others, whether it be resort guests, students, friends, or her family. 

Ollie was quiet and unassuming, humble and modest, selfless and generous. Her brilliance and multiple talents were known by all who met her, as was her legendary kindness and gentle nature. She always put her children and her husband first, supporting and encouraging them, but never judging them. She was the wind beneath their wings.

Forrest “Forrie” Johnson

April 15, 1925 — January 17, 2024

Forrest (Forrie) Johnson, age 98, passed away peacefully, with family by his side, on January 17, 2024, following a brief illness. Forrie lived life to the fullest, right up until his final days. In the hours before he passed, he said, “I’ve had a great life.” In almost 99 years of living, he left an extraordinary amount of love in his wake. The ripple effect of his kindness continues to be felt by his family, friends, colleagues, and decades of English and Journalism students who loved him so dearly they still call him “Papa J” to this day.

Forrie was born in Kingsford, Michigan, in 1925, to Frithiof and Margaret Johnson. He was a decorated veteran, having served in the Navy in WWII. He was a hero in every sense of the word, yet fully realized the grim cost of war. After the war, he attended Northern Michigan University on the G.I. bill, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in English and Biology, ultimately going on to earn multiple master’s degrees. For nearly 40 years, he taught English, Journalism, and served as a Forensics Speech coach at Minocqua High School and Lakeland Union High School. Forrie also worked for many summers as a DNR officer and as a Woodruff police officer. He was an active member of the Manitowish Waters Lions Club and helped lay the foundation of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church. His love for family and friends was unconditional, and his humor, acceptance, and compassion were unfailing.

Together, Ollie and Forrie enjoyed nearly 72 years, building and cherishing their family of five children, ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Their legacy of love continues in every memory and shared story.