Dennis "Denny" Harlan Johnson

Dennis Harlan Johnson, age 88 of Waupun, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at St Mary’s Hospital in Madison.

Denny was born in Washburn, WI, on April 14, 1936, the son of Carl and Clara (Holt) Johnson. Denny graduated from Washburn High school where he enjoyed playing football. After High School, he sailed for 4 years on the Great Lakes with Columbia Transportation where he learned to be a boiler operator. One of the highlights of his time on the Great Lakes was being able to tour the Edmund Fitzgerald ship before it sank. On February 7, 1959, he was united in marriage to Barbara King. After moving to Waupun in the early 60’s, he worked for the WCI – Central Generating Plant and retired in 1997 after 36 years.  He also worked several part-time jobs including the US Postal Office as a mail carrier and Kindt Building Supply. Denny was a former member of the Fond du Lac Elks Club and for a time, was VP of the Waupun Union Hall. He most enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and we will always remember him for "telling it like it is.” He will be deeply missed by all that knew him.

Denny is survived by his children, Mark (Brenda) Johnson of Fond du Lac, Darlene (Rick) Schmid of Mukwonago, and Laura (Duie) Schelter of Waupun; grandchildren Erik (Amanda) Johnson, Andrea (Matthew) Peebles, Curt (Melissa) Schmid, Tyler Schmid (Ashley Denhard), Morgan (Jacob) Jesko, Derrick Schelter, and Brianna Schelter (Cameron Pokorny); great-grandchildren, Carter, Everett and Allison Johnson, Ezra Peebles, Carter, Clara and Caden Schmid, Emma Jesko, and another great grandchild due in November. He is further survived by his brother-in-law, Ron Fischer of Ashland, Wisconsin, and sister-in-law, Doris (Earl) Innis of Two Harbors, Minnesota, and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Johnson, in early 2024; parents Carl and Clara; two brothers Clyde (Lois) and Carl (Charlotte) Johnson; six sisters, Elaine Hiibel, Audry Johnson, Beverly Castaldo, Margaret Sjoblom, Marlys (Arne) Luoma and Carol (Ken) DeTarville. Memorials may be directed to the Waupun Food Pantry, 12 S Mill St, Waupun, WI 53963.

A visitation will be held for family and friends from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, September 23, 2024, at Kohls Community Funeral Home, 405 West Main Street, Waupun, WI 53963. A funeral service will follow at 5 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor John O’Donovan officiating. A private family burial will take place at Forest Mound Cemetery.