Clifford "Tip" "Chicken" Johnson

Clifford “Tip” “Chicken” Johnson, 79, of La Crosse died Friday December 23rd, 2022 at Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, with his wife by his side. He was born in La Crosse on September 10th, 1943 to Spencer and Gladys (Poss) Johnson. Tip married Sharon Lehmann on July 6th, 1963.

Tip is survived by his two daughters Vickie (Wade) Woods and Kim (Alex) Clason. His three grandsons: Zach (Rachel) Woods, Cole Woods (Hailey Kirven), Wyatt Clason and one granddaughter, Ava Clason. As well as one great granddaughter, June Woods. He will be greatly missed by his sister Donna Vingers and his brothers and sisters in laws: Dorthy (Bill) Hoskins, Kathleen (Harry) Troyanek, Judy Lehmann, David (Sandy) Lehmann, Jean (John) Wyatt, Bill Lehmann, Marvin (Kari) Lehmann, Theresa (Jeff) Merrill, Yvonne (Bill) Dietz and also many nieces and nephews. As well as his best friend David (Jewell) Hogan. He was proceeded in death by his parents Spencer and Gladys Johnson and by his mother and father-in-law, Julius and Marcella Lehmann. His brother Spencer and sister-in-law Janice Johnson as well as his brother[1]in-law Len Vingers, LaVerne Lehmann, TJ Lehmann and Hazel Merrill.

In his early years Tip fought an unimaginable battle. At just seven years old he was diagnosed with Polio. He overcame many barriers including having to re-learn how to walk again. In his adulthood, he worked in the family business, Johnson Produce with his parents and brother. He charcoaled chickens for many organizations and functions. He then went on to start Johnson foods with his brother. After retiring from the wholesale food business, he spent his days doing lawn care and snow removal. In his leisure time, Tip enjoyed camping, boating on the river with his pontoon and snowmobiling, which was one of his greatest passions to do with his grandchildren and son in laws. Sharon and Tip made many trips out west including to California to see his mother, sister and brother-in-law. You could always expect good times to be rolling in Tip’s neighborhood where they enjoyed many get togethers where stories were told, and fun was had. In the most recent years, you may have heard Tippy on WIZM news radio each day. Across the coulee region he was known as caller number 3 who loved to tell jokes and share his opinion with those who listened. Tip’s family was his utmost priority. He especially cherished his grandchildren whom he had a special and deep connection with each of them. Tip was always full of compliments especially to his wife and daughters. You could feel Tip spreading his love through each joke and smile he gave.

Funeral services will be held on Friday December 30th, at Mary Mother of the Church at 11:00am with a visitation starting at 9:00am. Father Konopa will officiate. Please send all memorials to Mary Mother of the Church.