Emery G. Johnson Jr.

Emery G. Johnson Jr., 83, of Eau Claire, WI, passed away Monday, December 5, 2016 at home with his wife and daughter by his side. 

Emery was born on March 22, 1933 in Blair, WI to Emery Sr. and Ellen (Christianson) Johnson.  He graduated from Melrose High School in the class of 1951.  After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1953 and served for 12 years.  Emery was very dedicated to the Army and was immensely proud of the skills he learned, which guided his character for the rest of his life.  

After the military, Emery married Margaret Carey on March 30, 1968 in Blair, WI.  He moved to Eau Claire and worked at Fabritech for 3 years before working for Uniroyal, which he retired from after 23 years.  During his retirement Emery worked for PQS until his passing.  Emery loved to garden and took great pride in his yard and landscaping.  If he wasn’t working in the yard then he was in the garage tinkering and fixing all sorts of things.  Family meant the world to him and he loved being a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Margaret (Carey) Johnson; daughters, Tonja Lanphere and Bonnie(Rich) Mahan; grandchildren, Nicholas (Megan) Lanphere, Joshua (Sarah Johnson) Lanphere, Kylene (Joshua Bailkey) Lanphere, Michelle Steinfeldt, Brad (Maryann) Johnson, Robert (Michelle) Johnson, and Amy Johnson; great grandchildren, Wyatt, Callie, Hudson (due in January), Emily, Hailey, Dominick, Garrett, Ashlynne, Matthew, Hannah, Daniel, Niah, Addy, Marlee, Jack, Gavin, Zachery, Mackenzie, and Alexis; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other loving family members.

Emery was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Stephen Emery; sister and brother-in-law, Eleanor and Archie Curran; nephew, David Marsh; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Leroy and Angeline Carey; as well as brother-in-laws, Jerry, Wayne, Joe, and LeRoy Carey. 

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at 12:00 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Altoona.  Pastor Dan Kohn will be officiating.  A visitation will be held from 11:00 am until the time of services at the church on Tuesday.  Burial will be at Rest Haven Cemetery at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, monetary memorials are appreciated.