Lester J. Johnson, age 97, of Eau Claire died on Saturday, March 9, 2013, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire. Lester was born to Albert and Isabelle (Cleasby) Johnson on August 3, 1915, in Hudson, WI. He married Marie Zinsmaster on June 30, 1937, at Holy Guardian Angels Church in Brackett, WI. He served in the Army Air Force until his honorable discharge in 1946. Lester worked his entire life as an autobody repair man. He worked for A.E. Rogers, managing Aerco Auto Bodies until his retirement in 1981. After his retirement, he and Marie traveled and spent a few winters in Florida. He learned to ice fish with his brother Neiland and other friends. Most of all, he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family. Lester is survived by his wife of 75 years, Marie; four children, Yvonne (Ray) Kruschke of Pelican Lake, WI, Karen (Richard) Fry of White Bear Lake, MN, William (Carol Ann) Johnson of Gig Harbor, WA, and Thomas (Sue) Johnson of Eau Claire; fourteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren; brother, Neiland (Esther) Johnson; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Edith Eckert. Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral Home, WEST CHAPEL, 1405 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire, with a Public Prayer Vigil beginning at 6:30. Mass of Christian Burial will held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 416 N. Dewey St., with a visitation one hour prior to Mass at church. Father George Thayikuzhithottu will be officiating. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Eau Claire, with Military Honors conducted by the Eau Claire American Legion Post #53.

Service Information

Cemetery

Sacred Heart Cemetery County Rd A Mondovi WI 54755

Visitation

Wednesday, March 13 2013 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services West Chapel 1405 North Clairemont Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Prayer Service

Wednesday, March 13 2013 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services West Chapel 1405 North Clairemont Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Thursday, March 14 2013 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Sacred Heart Catholic Church North Dewey Street & Division Street Eau Claire WI 54701

Mass of Christian Burial

Thursday, March 14 2013 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Sacred Heart Catholic Church North Dewey Street & Division Street Eau Claire WI 54701