John Arthur Johnson

JOHN ARTHUR JOHNSON
John A. Johnson, 83, of Phillips entered into eternal life on Sunday, December 20, 2015. He was born on January 23, 1932, to Arthur and Ruth (Foster) Johnson. John was a graduate of Phillips High School, and was a lifelong resident of Phillips. He served his country during the Korean conflict era, and was based out of England.
John married Virginia A. Neeck on April 21, 1955. Together they had five children: Ruth (Gary) of Neenah, Sam (Vonda) of Phillips, John (Julie) of Muskego, Geri of (Menasha) and Jodi (Dan) of New London. John is also survived by two grandchildren: Brady(Linda) of Phillips, and Shauna of Menasha, and three very special great grandchildren Ruby Mae, Sonny, and Gracie. The gift of another great grandson will arrive in March. John is also survived by four sisters: Ruth (Bob), June (Harlan), Dorothy, and Betty (Kenneth) and two brothers, Bill and Charlie (Virginia).
John was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Ruth Johnson, a special granddaughter, Jennifer, and his son-in-law, Glen. Also preceding him were one sister Jean Spencer, and one brother Raymond.
John was consistently active in his community. He was a certified EMT for the Central Price County Ambulance Service for many years. His greatest passion lay in serving with the Phillips Volunteer Fire Department. He assisted the firefighters for over 50 years with at least half of those years as Fire Chief. He was honored in the early 2000 with a Golden Ax from his fellow firefighters. He also received the Citizen of the year Award during the decade for his dedication to the betterment of the community.
John was best known for keeping the family business going, Johnson’s Plumbing, Heating and Hardware Store, after the death of his parents. Service was the most important thing to him, and he could be found out in the worst of weather delivering gas or fixing someone’s furnace. People from far and wide frequently stopped by the hardware store for advice, a chat or just to hear a good joke. Johnson’s was honored with the Business of the year award in 2008.
Funeral services are being held at St. John Lutheran Church on Saturday, December 26.
Visitation will be from 9-11 A.M. with the service at 11:00 A.M. Pastor Thomas Reiff will be officiating. A memorial fund is being set up.
“The music stops, and yet it echoes in sweet refrain.”-Unknown.
The Heindl Funeal Home, Phillips, is in charge of the arrangements
Online condolences may be expressed at www.heindlfuneralhome.com.
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