Lyle P. Johnson, 82, of River Falls, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2015, at Kinnic Health and Rehabilitation Center in River Falls, with his family at his side.
He was born on November 9, 1932, in River Falls, the son of the late Lyle and Margaret Johnson, and on August 7, 1954, he was united in marriage to Roberta A. Halvorson. Lyle and Roberta were life-long dairy farmers in Clifton Township raising registered Holsteins. They were currently farming with their son, Hal.
Lyle was a conservationist. Lyle and Roberta protected the family farm by entering into a conservation agreement with the Kinni Land Trust to protect the Kinnickinnic River, the forest and farm land.
Lyle earned numerous awards while dairy farming, including Young Cooperators of the year by Mid-America Dairyman’s Association and numerous Pierce County High Herd Awards. He mentored many ag students from UW-River Falls, leading to great friendships and a trip to the Czech Republic.
Lyle was an avid bowler for 65 years, always looking forward to his Thursday night meetings with friends. Friday nights were often enjoyed playing poker with dear friends and family. During the summer, free time was filled with fishing and enjoying his time with many “down at the river”. “Hop” often took time for a little pheasant hunting with his brother, Tom, between fall harvest and milking the cows. Deer hunting season with his children and grandchildren was a special time for Grandpa Hop. With a little prodding, Lyle would share his opinion about politics and conservation practices. He enjoyed the Pierce County Fair when his daughters and grandsons showed his prize Holstein cattle. Lyle and Roberta also opened their home to many young men, serving as foster parents.
Those Lyle leaves behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 60 years, Roberta; four children, Kimaley (John) Stapleton of River Falls, WI, Jill (Mark) LaRue of Hudson, WI; Sally (Elliott) Bradley of McKinney, TX and Lyle “Hal” (Jeanne) Johnson of River Falls, WI; eight grandchildren, John (Janet) Stapleton, Kyle (Heidi) Stapleton, Michelle LaRue-Buyarski (Chris Buyarski), Christina (Derek)Chapman, Andrew Kessler, Tanner Johnson, Hallie Johnson and Brooke Johnson; five great-grandchildren, Lane, Ellen, Lillian, David and Lauren Stapleton; a brother, Dwayne “Tom” Johnson of River Falls, WI; a sister, Betty (Max) Merriman of River Falls, WI, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Lyle was preceded in death by a brother, Norbert.
Funeral services for Lyle will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2015, at Ezekiel Lutheran Church in River Falls and burial will follow in Mann Valley Cemetery.
Lyle’s family will greet relatives and friends at the Cashman-Hill Funeral Home in River Falls on Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services.
Donations can be made to Kinni Land Trust or Ezekiel Lutheran Church in lieu of memorials or flowers.
Additional information and guest book may be found at www.hillfuneralservice.com.