Melvin Leonard Johnson

Melvin L. Johnson, 95, died Monday, January 8, 2024, in La Crosse, WI. Mel was born in Victory, WI, to Leonard and Gertrude (Jacobus) Johnson. He graduated from Lansing High School in Lansing, IA in 1945 and received a diploma in industrial electronics, radio and electronics servicing from Coyne Electrical School in Chicago, IL, in 1947.  He moved to La Crosse and worked as a forklift operator for Allis Chalmers Manufacturing from 1945 to 1947. From 1947 to 1951, Mel owned and operated Johnson's Radio/Electric Service Shop in De Soto, WI.

As a Radio Broadcast Engineer for WKBH-AM in La Crosse, Mel operated and maintained broadcast equipment, including audio consoles and the transmitter from 1951 to 1952. While serving in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954, he graduated from the Army Signal School in Ft. Monmouth, NJ, with Military Organization Specialty (MOS) 1417, single band radio teletype and was assigned to the Plant Engineering Agency in Ft. Myer, VA. He installed high-powered transmitters in the Signal Corps. Mel was hired as a Television Broadcast Engineer for WKTB-TV in 1954 and promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer/Transmitter Supervisor in 1970.

Mel met Dorothy Rieder at a USO dance and they fell in love. Their wedding took place in the historic Old Tennent Presbyterian Church, in Tennent, NJ, on September 19, 1954. After honeymooning in Florida, they moved to La Crosse.  They had two children—first Bob and then Marilyn, two years later.  Mel and Dorothy were 50-year members of First Presbyterian Church of La Crosse. They delivered Mobile Meals together after Mel retired in 1990.

Mel could fix anything, solve any puzzle, and made the best popcorn (from corn he grew himself). He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, bicycling, waterskiing, cross-country skiing, gardening, shooting pool, and playing chess. He had great patience for the people he loved, and approached life with a wry smile, a healthy penchant for mischief, and a determination to never take anything too seriously.

Mel was beloved grandfather to granddaughter Emily Johnson of Washington, D.C., and grandson Nate (Carly) Johnson of Los Angeles, CA. Emily and Nate have many fond memories of watching birds with Mel on the back patio, taking rides to the sand bar and learning to fish on the Mississippi, playing in the snow in the winter, and getting fleeced in countless rounds of Pick-Up Sticks, Guess Who, and ping pong. Mel never forgot to turn on the cuckoo clock before a visit and passed on to his grandchildren his love of the Packers, gardening, the weather, and all kinds of desserts.

In addition to Emily and Nate, Mel is survived by his son Bob (Lisa) Johnson of La Grange, IL, daughter Marilyn Johnson of La Crosse, nephew Doug (Kathy) Cox, and niece Robin (Tom) Clark.  He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, his parents, and his sister Norma (Bob) Cox.

Mel's family extends special appreciation to all who cared for him at Benedictine Living Community over the past 2-1/2 years.

A memorial service, with Rev. Alex Jerve officiating, will be held Saturday, February 3 at 11:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 233 West Ave. S., La Crosse. Visitation at the church will be from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service.  Private burial will take place in Oak Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Clare Health Mission, WAFER Food Pantry or First Presbyterian Church.  Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse is assisting the family.