Clifford Johnson

Clifford Rodney Johnson, Madison, died June 25, 2016.
He was born to Victor Johnson and Laura (Mickelson) Johnson on June 12, 1928, in Minneapolis, Minn. At age four, the family moved to a farm in North Dakota. The following year they moved to the Willie and Aida Mickelson farm, where Cliff lived until age 11. Cliff attended a one-room schoolhouse. Cliff graduated from Gilmanton High School. He participated in track, basketball and baseball. Cliff ran the high hurdles at the 1945 State track meet in Madison. He enlisted in the Navy from 1946-1948, earning a “World War II Victory Medal” while on an aircraft carrier. Cliff went four years part-time and graduated from MATC.
He met Catherine “Kitty” Marie Ressel at the dance hall in Independence. They were married July 29, 1950.
His young family moved to Madison in 1955. Cliff was self-employed as a custom home builder until 1988 and worked for the State of Wisconsin until 1996. He was at one time president of the Madison Builders Association. He was also a proud member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Middleton since 1955. Clifford loved his sons very much and taught them to be honest and caring. He was a volunteer in church, scouting and little league. Above all other things he loved his God.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Catherine “Kitty;” sons, Kimm (Susan) and Rodney; five grandchildren.
Cliff was preceded in death by his son, Mark, in 1963, and son, Perry, in 2009.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 30, at the Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care, 435 University Avenue, Middleton, with Rev. Roger Eigenfeld presiding. A lunch will follow at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Marys on the Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.