Verdel Kenneth “Tag” Johnson, age 82, of Prescott, Wisconsin, passed away on October 20, 2024, following an acute illness at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. Tag was born on November 18, 1941, in Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, to Paul and Marion (Sesvold) Johnson. He grew up in Blair, Wisconsin, where he graduated from high school with the class of 1959. During his time there, he was an outstanding athlete. Tag was the star fullback and linebacker for the football team and set numerous school records in track and field, including a state record in the shotput.

He was first married to Suzanne Reck, and from this union came three children: Scott, Troy, and Wendy. Although their marriage later dissolved, Tag remained a dedicated father. Tag loved when his kids had their friends over. With his sense of humor, he so enjoyed teasing them and as a result, they loved to spend time over at their house. His career took him into the petroleum industry, where he worked for Farmers Union which later became Cenex Harvest States in their distribution department. Tag was a valued and loyal employee for over 40 years. On October 27, 2004, Tag found love again and married Lynda Green in Las Vegas, a bond that would bring him much happiness in the years that followed.

Tag was an avid outdoorsman. Some of his fondest memories came from time spent at the deer shack near Blair, hunting with the guys and hoping to fill the freezer for the winter. Evenings were often filled with laughter and stories at the local Viking Bar; often emptying pitchers of Blatz Light. He was equally passionate about bird hunting, whether it was grouse or pheasants. However, fishing was his true love. Tag cherished the peaceful moments on the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers, especially at sunrise and sunset when the sun created a beautiful canvas. The only thing better than catching a walleye was preparing it for a meal to share with family and friends. He also enjoyed his fishing trips to Canada and ice fishing for panfish. The children had fun memories with dad trying to catch night crawlers the night prior to going trout fishing at the coulee’s near Blair; such as Vosse Coulee Creek.

He taught his children, even Wendy, how to ride a dirt bike; as she loved to hang out with her brothers and dad. A loyal Wisconsin sports fan, Tag rarely missed a Green Bay Packers or Wisconsin Badgers game. He also loved hitting the trails on his snowmobile, often pulling the kids on a tractor tire tube or sleigh. He also enjoyed a fun game of cards – euchre, cribbage, or dice with family and friends, as well camping with their pickup camper at Bone Lake. He was known to tap his toes to the sound of polka music.

Tag will be fondly remembered by his wife, Lynda Green; his son, Troy Johnson (Jessica Pechuman Meyers); his daughter, Wendy Johnson; former son-in-law Gerald Helget; his granddaughters, Taylor Lacey and Kayley Helget; his daughter-in-law, Deneen Strait; his brother, Ronnie Johnson (Lois); his stepchildren, Kelly (Jon) Hanson and Darin Gutting; and his step-grandchildren, Paige (Luke), Austin (Sonja), Gabby (Tony), and Justice.

Tag is preceded in death by his beloved son, Scott Johnson; his brother, Roger Johnson; his half-brother, Bob Sesvold; and step grandchild C.J. Hanson.

A funeral service will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Joy Lutheran Church, 1435 St. Croix St, Prescott, WI 54021. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., two hours prior to the service. Following the funeral, Tag will be laid to rest at Pine Glen Cemetery in Prescott. Memorials are preferred at the discretion of the family.

Services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Prescott. For further details, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-262-5404.