Douglas O. Johnson, 69, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at his home in Eau Claire with his wife of 46 years, Laurel, at his side. Born on August 23, 1943, to Shirley and Russell Johnson, he grew up with his three brothers and two sisters on the lower Westside of Eau Claire where they found plenty of adventures. Douglas graduated from Memorial High School in 1961. Soon after he hitchhiked across the USA. He enrolled in UWEC where he was active on the debate team, competing at the national level. He served in the Army and was stationed in Alaska as a Sergeant E5 until February 1969. He married Laurel Austin, his high school sweetheart, on December 28, 1966, at All Saints Episcopal Church in Anchorage, Alaska. Doug and Laurel returned to Eau Claire where Doug completed his studies at UWEC. They moved to Madison where Douglas obtained his JD from the University of Wisconsin Law School, bartending at night and making coffee for fellow law students during the day to support his studies and his growing family. He practiced law in Hudson, Wisconsin then he moved to back Eau Claire and opened Johnson Law Office, which remained open for over 25 years. A life long contrarian, Douglas could answer any argument. He had a deep respect for the power of the law to safeguard the principles of fairness in our society. He spent his legal career working on behalf of the vulnerable and disadvantaged. No one was ever turned away from his doors. Douglas enjoyed reading, cooking, theatre, and discussing politics and current events. He was known for his quick wit, clear intellect and mischievous nature. Children loved him for his playfulness and his creativity, although he terrified them with his range of scary voices. He gave sound advice and was a supportive and dedicated father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, and friend. Although his last years were spent in increasingly ill health, he never lost his curiosity and interest in the world or in those around him. He was a great guy, leaving a legacy of Doug stories which always bring smiles. Douglas is survived by his wife, Laurel; his children, Emily of Eau Claire, WI, Ellen (James Stephenson) of Brooklyn, NY, and Loren of Chippewa Falls, WI; grandchildren, Niji Johnson and Eva and Alex Stephenson; brothers and sisters, Warren (Lynn) Johnson of Winter, WI, Greg (Judy) Johnson of Waukegan, IL, Carolyn (Richard) Carlson of Neenah, WI, Steven (Laura) Johnson of Poplar Grove, IL, and Pamela Hayes of Ashland, WI; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Shirley (Mann) Johnson; and brother-in-law, Jonathan Hayes. The Requiem Eucharist will be at Christ Church Cathedral, 510 S. Farwell Street, Eau Claire at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2013, with The Very Rev. Michael Greene officiating. Interment will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorials for Doug would be welcomed to Christ Church Cathedral in Eau Claire or to your favorite charity that supports the lives of children.

Service Information

Requiem Eucharist

Saturday, March 23 2013 11:00 AM

Christ Church Cathedral 510 South Farwell Street Eau Claire WI 54701