George Robert Johnson, age 99, of Eau Claire, WI, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2013, at the Clairemont Nursing and Rehab facility. George was born on February 22, 1914, in Union Township, to Harold and Agnes (Fagerlie) Johnson, the second of ten children. His growing up years were spent on the family farm in the Town of Brunswick along the Chippewa River. At age 20, he went to live with his grandmother and care for the family's farm on Silvermine Drive, which he continued to farm until 1967, when he sold the property to the Eau Claire Ski Club for the development of the Silvermine Ski Jump. Following the sale of the farm, George worked in maintenance at the Mount Washington Nursing Home until his retirement in 1976. Following his retirement, he began writing stories which he shared with family and friends. A collection of over 50 of his stories was compiled into a book entitled, "Echoes of the Past." George continued to live on the banks of the Chippewa River on Silvermine Drive until the age of 92. In September of 1950, George married Merna Jean Woodmansee of New Auburn, WI. Together, they raised four children. George spent much of his free time fishing on the Chippewa River and nurturing a fantastic flower and vegetable garden every summer. He loved walking in the woods, often with his camera, taking many beautiful photographs. And he spent two weeks every summer Muskie fishing of the Chippewa Flowage near Hayward. George is survived by three sons, Jeffrey (Susan) of Eau Claire, Steven (Kim) of Owatonna, MN, and Joseph of Knapp, WI; one daughter, Jennie (Bill) Stewart of Menomonie, WI; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He is further survived by two brothers, Norman (Helen) Johnson and Oscar (Janet) Johnson, both of Eau Claire; sisters-in-law, Jane Johnson, June Johnson and Vera Johnson; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Merna, in 2006; his parents; brothers, John, LeRoy, Donald, David and James; and sisters, Marion Pabst and Julia Johnson. Funeral services will be held at 11a.m., on Friday, March 15, 2013, at First Lutheran Church, 1005 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire with Pastor Michael Rehak and Pastor Lowell Halvorson officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2013, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave., Eau Claire and one hour prior to the service on Friday, at the church. Burial will be at Rest Haven Cemetery in the Town of Washington. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Lutheran Church in Eau Claire.

Service Information

Cemetery

Rest Haven Cemetery 5750 Old Town Hall Road Eau Claire WI 54701

Visitation

Thursday, March 14 2013 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services 814 First Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703