Howard Russell Johnson

Racine – Howard Russell Johnson, 87, passed away unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 as the result of a heart attack. A lifetime resident, Howard was born on the Meachem Farm here in Racine on December 9, 1921 to the late Herman and Soffie (nee: Christofferson) Johnsen. On June 9, 1945, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Beverly Mae Jaskulske, who preceded him in death on April 15, 2003. In his earlier years, Howard was employed by Cooper – Dixon Duck Farm. However, as an extremely talented ornamental iron railing fabricator, he worked for Nielsen Iron Works, from where he retired after a 30 year career. Howard was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Among his interests, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, trying his luck at the casino, spending time in Upper Michigan, and helping family / friends with projects of all sorts. Above all, his first priority in life was always his treasured family. Surviving are his daughter, Karen (Jim Hudson) Webber; son, Ron (Rosie) Johnson; grandchildren, Larry Webber, Mark Johnson, Krista Johnson and Craig Johnson; great-grandson, Brandon Johnson; brothers and sisters, Cornel (Virginia) Johnson, Virginia Webster, Marcella Nelson, Deloris (Jim) Ahmad and Buelah June Ellis; sisters-in-law, Janice (Melvin) Peterson and Marie Johnsen; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. In addition to his parents and wife, Howard was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Harold and LeRoy Johnsen; Mabel (Loyal) Phetteplace, Myrtle (Richard) Cogswell, Genevria (Louis) Planert and Opal (Richard Bethge) Butterfield; Beverly’s parents, August and Viola (nee: Freundenthal) Jaskulske; niece, Diane Friend; and brothers-in-law, Richard Jaskulske, Merrill Ellis, Alvin Webster and Arvid Nelson. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 11:00 am with Rev. David Echelbarger officiating. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday (tonight) from 5-8 pm and on Saturday from 10-11 am. In memory of Howard, memorials to one’s favorite charity or to the family has been suggested. A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Robert Brown and Jennifer Boerger, NP; Dr. Christopher Stone (and nurse – Ann), and Dr. Raymond Knight (and nurse – Linda) for the compassionate care and support during the past several years. May God bless all of you!