Carl R. Johnson, age 97, entered eternal life on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at his home in the town of Farmington with his loving children by his side.
He was born on April 27, 1915 in West Bend to the late Charles and Katherine (nee Dunkel) Johnson. Carl grew up in the Town of Farmington, helping run the family farm. He often walked around with a stick of dynamite in his pocket to clear stumps or rocks. Carl was united in marriage to Elizabeth Martin on June 15, 1938 in Kewaskum. Elizabeth preceded him in death on July 6, 1990.
In 1946 Carl founded Johnson Tool and Engineering which later became known as Hydraulic Gear, Inc. During World War II, he received a letter of commendation for the live center, a machine tool, he patented which became part of the manufacturing process of the atomic bomb.
Carl is survived by his three children, Harlen Johnson, Kenneth (Barbara) Johnson and Gail Dorzok; 10 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth; an infant granddaughter; great-grandson at birth; three sisters, Pearl Polster, Katherine Schaefer, and Esther Stewart; and three brothers, Aaron C. Johnson, Alfred "Doc" Johnson, and William E. Johnson.
Funeral services in remembrance of Carl will be held on Monday, March 18, 2013 at 12:30 pm at the Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home, 1315 W. Washington Street, West Bend. Rev. Swenson of St. Lucas Lutheran Church will officiate. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Monday from 10:00 am until the time of service at 12:30 pm. Burial will be in Washington County Memorial Park.
Memorials to Cedar Hospice would be greatly appreciated by the family.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Anne Panzer for her help and compassion and to Shelly the wonderful nurse who gave special care to our father.