Gerald L. "Cactus" Johnson

Gerald L. “Jerry” “Cactus” Johnson, 85 of Onalaska, WI passed away at his daughter’s home on Saturday, August 27, 2022. He was born August 17, 1937, in La Crosse to Morris and Georgina (Larson) Johnson and grew up in Onalaska. He attended La Crosse Logan High School where he excelled in baseball.

Jerry served in the United States Air Force from 1956 until 1960. He had worked in the Chrysler Automobile Plant in Belvidere, IL before returning to La Crosse. Upon his return to La Crosse, Jerry worked as a groundskeeper for the La Crosse Country Club. He later worked in building maintenance at Wettstein’s and later at the Exchange Building until his retirement at age 82.

Jerry was an avid bowler and enjoyed playing poker with his brothers and sisters. He also loved the Chicago Cubs, Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers and watching Western Movies.

Jerry is survived by his wife Diane; two children, Brenda (Paul) Mendell of Onalaska and Maurice (Stacy Palm) Johnson of Galesville; grandchildren, Justin (partner, Michelle Jambois) Johnson and Michelle’s daughter, Tegan and Jennifer (Lucas) Heintz; three great-grandchildren, Jocelyn Brunner, Kasten Brunner and Steven Heintz; three brothers, Charles Johnson, Duane (Beth) Johnson and George (Pack) Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Dee Simmons, Marian Johnson, Shirley Pishaw, and Betty Callan; along with a brother Robert Johnson.

Jerry’s family would like to thank the staff at St. Croix Hospice for their wonderful care and support.

A Memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Friday, September 2 ^nd at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Barre Mills with Pastor Andrew Schultz officiating. Visitation will be held at church on Friday from 2:00 P.M. until the time of the services. Memorials are suggested to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church Early Childhood Daycare, formerly the Barre Patch.