Gerald A. Johnson

Gerald A. “Jerry” Johnson, 64, of La Crosse, passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2017.

He was born on June 3, 1953, in La Crosse, to Arthur and Gladys (Arneson) Johnson. He grew up in La Crescent and was a 1971 graduate of La Crescent High School. He was later united in marriage to Linda M. Lepsch.

Jerry worked at Trane Company for many years. He then worked for the G. Heileman Brewery and City Brewery before retiring.

Jerry was a founding member of God’s Country Racing Association where he and Linda made many lifelong friends associated with the car club. They all spent many weekends racing at Amber Green Raceway in Eau Claire.

Jerry had a passion for ’68 Road Runners. His son Jamie has proudly carried on this tradition as his dad before him, following his dream and building the very same ’68. Jerry was always ready to jump in with his sons and take a trip to their good friend, Dave Tande’s for their guys get away. Jerry was simply a “No Frills Guy” and most of his fondest memories will always be in his heart and soul of times spent with his many “River Rat” friends.

Jerry was an avid outdoorsman. Fishing and hunting were a big part of his life, although there was a love/hate relationship with the fishing part of it. He truly cherished the times he and his son Kevin spent taking boat rides, or “Yiing” as they would all say, and having the “Heart to Hearts”. He enjoyed several hunting trips to Canada, but his greatest joy in life by far was being able to spend time hunting with his sons. They spent many weekends together doing what they all loved.

Many thanks to everyone that allowed Jerry to have his last boat ride. He wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Linda; his sons, Jamie and Kevin Johnson, both of La Crosse; his mother, Gladys Johnson of La Crescent; his siblings, Sharon (Ron) Kendhammer of La Crosse, Don (Chris) Johnson of La Crescent, and Loran and Jeff Johnson, both of Hokah; his father and mother-in-law, James and LaVonne Lepsch of La Crosse; a brother-in-law, Richard Lepsch of La Crosse; a niece; several aunts, uncles, nephews and other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur; and a nephew, Matthew Johnson.

A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 27 ^th , at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 200 West Ave. So., La Crosse, which will end with a prayer service at 6:45 p.m.