Neiland J. Johnson, age 95 of Eau Claire, passed away with his family by his side at the Clairemont Nursing Home, in Eau Claire, on Sunday, March 24, 2013. He was born on January 26, 1918, to Albert and Isabella (Cleasby) Johnson. He grew up on a farm in Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin and attended school in that area. Neiland moved to Eau Claire in 1936. During the late 1930's and early 1940's, he worked for Al Applegreen's Body Shop. He then went to work for Uniroyal Tire Company for 37 years. Neiland married Esther May (LaRock) Riedi on October 9, 1937. Their family expanded to include three sons. While raising the boys, they lived at the Abbie Hill residence for fourteen years and later had a duplex built on Goff Avenue in Eau Claire. Fishing, hunting, and raising mink were some of Neiland's hobbies. He loved to travel with Esther in their trailer and enjoyed going to their cottage on Lake Ojaski in Chetek. Many fish ended up in Neiland's fish basket and were enjoyed by a number of family and friends. Neiland was a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle that will be missed by all. Neiland is survived by his wife of 75 years, Esther; sons, Alvin (Phyllis) Johnson of Chippewa Falls, and Meriland (Mary Lee) Johnson of Wausau; daughter-in-law, Maxine Johnson of Cumberland; grandchildren, Julie Ann Rahr, Michael (Judy) Johnson, James Johnson, Catherine Lee Johnson, Sandra Marie Mouledoux, Christine Johnston, Mary Louise (Tom) Roy, Charles (Susan) Johnson, and Curt (Peggy) Johnson; 21 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Avis LaRock and Marie Johnson; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Ronald Johnson; sister, Edith (Art) Eckert; brother, Lester Johnson; and great-grandson, Kristopher Rahr. Funeral Service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2013, at Grace Lutheran Church, 202 West Grand Avenue, Eau Claire, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at church. Pastor Rolf A. Nestingen will be officiating. Interment will be in Rest Haven Cemetery, Town of Washington.

Service Information

Cemetery

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

Visitation

Thursday, March 28 2013 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Grace Lutheran Church 202 W. Grand Ave. Eau Claire WI

Funeral Service

Thursday, March 28 2013 11:00 AM

Grace Lutheran Church 202 W. Grand Ave. Eau Claire WI