Ernest DeLoyne Johnson passed away Saturday, October 17, 2015, at Strum Area Health and Rehab, also receiving care from St. Croix Hospice. He was born November 21, 1915, in the town of Unity in Trempealeau County to Gust and Clara (Thronson) Johnson, and was the first of their five children. He had the strong wish of living to celebrate his 100th birthday which would have been next month. Ernest attended Trempealeau County schools, and for a short time farmed on the family farm. His interest in the cowboy life took him to North Dakota where he worked on a ranch. On return to Strum he married Norma Rognlien in 1944; they were married for 51 years until her death in 1995. Ernest spent 33 years of employment at Uniroyal, retiring in 1978. The family resided in Strum until 1967, at which time they relocated to Eau Claire. During the years in Strum he was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. After moving to Eau Claire he was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church. Hunting and trap shooting, which he continued until well into his 80's, were two of his major interests. He was certified as an expert rifleman and was an active member of several Rod and Gun clubs throughout the years. Ernest is survived by his three children: Marilyn (Roger) Engen of Eau Claire; Linda (Allan) St. Louis of Farmington Hills, MI; and David (Shannon) Johnson of Eau Claire. He is further survived by six grandchildren: Col. Christopher (Meredith) Engen of Stavanger, Norway; Heather (Shawn) Kapanke of Eau Claire; Cory (Crystal) Engen of Cedar Park, TX; James (Irena) Graham of South Lyon, MI; Katie (Trevor) Moelker of Hudsonville, MI; Sarah Johnson of Eau Claire, and thirteen great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his siblings: LaVerne (Bette) Johnson and Gloria Buchholz. Ernest was preceded in death by his wife Norma; his parents; sister, Vivian Foss; brother, Howard Johnson; and son-in-law Frederick Graham. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society: 2519 N Hillcrest Pkwy Ste 100, Altoona, WI 54720 or Eau Claire County Humane Association: 3900 Old Town Hall Rd, Eau Claire, WI 54701 Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2015, at First Lutheran Church, 1005 Oxford Ave. in Eau Claire with Pastor Amy Odgren and Pastor Lowell Halvorson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Burial will follow at West Beef River Cemetery, rural Strum.

Service Information

Cemetery

West Beef River Cemetery Strum WI