Vernon J. Johnson, age 82 of River Falls died peacefully January 21st, 2018 at his residence with his loving family by his side. Vern was born on May 31, 1935 in rural River Falls; the son of George and Laura (VonKuster) Johnson. He attended Clifton Hollow and Sunny Lawn Elementary schools prior to graduating from Hudson High School in 1954. Following high school, he served in the National Guard. On July 1, 1961, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Johnson. To this union, children Duane, Karen, and JoAnn were born.

Vern farmed for several years following high school. He would then begin a rewarding career with 3M. He worked thirty-five years as custodian before retiring in 1998. Vern had wonderful memories camping with the family as they were growing up, but also cherished time spent camping with Betty and Duane later in life. He pulled their hard-shell camper to most of the parks in northern Wisconsin. He truly loved farming. Early years, he raised cattle. But after retirement from 3M, he drove tractor for neighboring farmers. When not in the field, he loved to jump on his John Deere as he took meticulous care of his yard.

Vern will fondly be remembered by his children, Duane Johnson of River Falls, Karen (Ralph) Young of River Falls, and JoAnn (Mark) Rivard of Hudson; grandchildren, Bryce Young, Ryan (Becky Bond) Young, Lauren Rivard, Brent Rivard, great-granddaughter, Gabriella Young; siblings, George (Stella) Johnson of Prescott, Theodore (Lorraine) Johnson of Hastings, Arlene (Don) Croes of River Falls, brothers/sisters-in-law, Chester Huppert of Ellsworth, Francis Johnson of River Falls, Mary (Bill) Boston of Stevens Point, Peter (Jackie) Johnson of Red Wing; as well as many nieces and nephews. Vern joined his wife Betty; his parents; brother, Lynn; sisters-in-law, Trudy Johnson and Jeanine Huppert; and brother-in-law James Johnson in heaven.

Mass of Christian Burial for Vern Johnson will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 26th at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, 211 E. Division St. in River Falls. Visitation will be Thursday, January 25th from 4:00-7:00 pm at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, as well as one hour prior to the Mass at church Friday afternoon. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Memorials are preferred. Funeral services entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of River Falls. 715-425-5644