Milton Merlin Johnson

Milton (Milt) M. Johnson, age 80, of Black River Falls, Wisconsin, died on December 3, 2022 at Pine View Terrace in Black River Falls. He was born on October 15, 1942, in Aitkin, Minnesota, the son of Milton H. and Irja I. Johnson (nee Rikala). He was quite proud of that Swedish-Finnish heritage. He was married to Judith Johnson (nee Larson), who died in 2006.

After graduating from Aitkin High School, Milt attended the Minnesota School of Business in the Twin Cities, graduating in 1960 as a court reporter, a career he excelled at for over 35 years. He worked in Michigan, Hurley, Wisconsin, for the Wisconsin Industrial Commission, the Wisconsin Probation and Parole Board, as well as the circuit courts of Clark and Jackson Counties. He made countless friends with courthouse staff, judges, and attorneys.

Milt had a twinkle in his eye, an impish grin, and an infectious laugh. He was a natural storyteller, who when he walked into a room made friends with everyone. Beginning in Aitkin, growing up with the Mississippi River running through town, Milt developed an early love for fishing. Once again, he made many friends through fishing, whether on the ice, river and creek banks, or Mississippi River fishing floats. Some of his best times were with his dear friend, Joe King, of Neillsville, with whom he shared many fishing memories and stories.

One of his greatest pleasures was seeing the country, with many trips to his grandparents' Finnish family farmstead in Toimi, Minnesota, a source of countless fond recollections. Post-retirement, he enjoyed camping, especially those occasions he was able to take along his grandchildren. One of his favorite times of the year was the fall, when he could go on his trips to admire the fall foliage.

Milt reveled in conversation, especially with his former coworkers, family, and friends. He derived tremendous enjoyment from visits with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, who he never failed to get "the biggest kick out of." Unfortunately, they will now have to find someone else to threaten to "box their ears" and another source for crossword advice.

Survivors include his special friend of many years, Betty Stasny, son Ed (Liz Davis), daughter Kim (Mark Thomley), brothers Lowell (Colleen LeBlanc) and Ron, grandchildren Derek (Asa Livingston), Paige (Alex Medinger), Trevor (Rosalee), and Taylor (Jessica), as well as great grandchildren Adrian, Ezra, and Trevor Roy.

A visitation will be held at Torgerson's Funeral Home, 408 N. Water Street, Black River Falls, on Saturday, December 10, 2022, between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. with a prayer service and music provided by Milt's dear friend Nick Brylla at 3:45. A burial and celebration of life will take place at a later date at the Toimi Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Milt's name to the Toimi School, c/o Bob Kari, 2456 W. Newgord Drive, Ely, MN 55731. The family would especially like to thank all the staff of Pine View Terrace for the care and warmth shown to Milt during his residency there. He truly appreciated it, and so do we.

The Torgerson's Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, 715-284-4321.