CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF RAYMOND EARL JOHNSON Raymond Earl Johnson was born in Platteville, WI to Ernest and Irma (Heins) Johnson on June 15, 1927. He was baptized at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Platteville and later confirmed there in 1944. He was raised on a farm. He graduated from Gays Mills High School when almost 17, then attended Platteville State Teachers College majoring in Agriculture. He graduated in three years and at the age of 20 started teaching school at Oxford High School. After teaching for four years, he went into the US Army during the Korean War. He finished M.P. training, but due to his education in agriculture, the army decided to send him to the Chicago stockyards to grade meat that was sent to the troops. It was at this time that he met his future wife at a nurses' dance. After he finished his service duty, he went back to school and received his master's degree from the UW Madison, WI. Ray married Phyllis Ring between semesters on January 30, 1954 at Nebo Lutheran Church, Chicago, IL.   They moved to Portage, WI and Ray accepted a job as Farm Management Agent in Columbia County for the UW Extension. Ray very much enjoyed working with the farmers of the county and helping them. He was instrumental in starting the Pork Producers Association. He and Phyllis bought a small farm in the Caledonia Hills, raised a few pigs and had three wonderful daughters. After 10 years, they moved back to the city of Portage and Ray became the County Agricultural Agent. He also received his Associate Professorship from the UW. In 1977, he received the National Association of County Agricultural Agents Distinguished Service Award at the National County Agents Convention in Hartford, CT. He retired in 1983.  After his retirement, he and Phyllis wintered in Rockport, TX for 28 years where he caught many fish and had an abundance of wonderful friends, including those at Faith Lutheran Church. He and Phyllis have traveled to every state except for one. He was an avid hunter and had many adventurous hunting trips which were talked about for years. A 6 x 6 bull elk, 3 antelope, 35 deer and 20 turkeys were among his trophies. He enjoyed going on fishing trips to Canada with friends and fishing with his friends in Texas. He enjoyed bowling for many years, golfing, card games and gardening. Many people in Portage had a taste of his strawberries. He was a great Packer and Badger fan. He was a member of the American Legion and on the Honor Guard for many years. A highlight of his life was the Badger Honor Flight to Washington, DC in 2014 accompanied by his grandson, Jake. It was an amazing trip.  Far, far above his accomplishments has been his faith and love for God and God's redeeming Gift. He enjoyed Bible studies and readThe Portals of Prayer nightly since he was a boy. He let God lead him through this life and always felt blessed by Him. Ray passed into God's loving arms on December 28, 2016 in Rockport, TX and now sees Him face to face. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Phyllis, of 62 years, daughters, Christine, Linda (John) Keller, Constance Trantow (Jay Mitchell), grandson, Jake Trantow, brother, Eldon (Doris) Johnson, sisters, Carol Wallin, Dorothy (Leroy) Lathrop, Marilyn Holiday, sister-in-law, Joan Ring, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Florence Thronson. Funeral services will be held on May 13, 2017 at 11:00 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church which he attended for 52 years and served in several capacities. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 until 11:00. Rev. Hovland will be officiating and military honors will be provided by the Portage Veteran's Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St John's Lutheran School or Church. He truly was blessed and he is HOME AT LAST FOR AN ETERNITY. Service Details. Visitation

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