Mark S. Johnson, age 62 of Wisconsin Dells and formerly of Boscobel, passed away on Wednesday October 2, 2013 at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison surrounded by loving family, friends and caregivers. He was born on June 30, 1951 in Sparta, Wisconsin. The son of Albert F. and Beverly A. (Hennarichs) Johnson. He graduated from Boscobel High School in 1969, worked shortly for Advanced Transformer and then enlisted in the service with hope of becoming an Airborne Ranger. While home on leave after Jump School, he suffered an injury preventing him from fulfilling his service goals. Later, Mark worked for Wick Homes and then enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point where he earned a degree in Natural Resources. Mark worked for the DNR for over 30 years in the Adams-Friendship/Wisconsin Dells area as a Forestry Technician, Park Ranger, and Deputy Conservation Warden. He received numerous awards for outstanding state and community service.
Mark married Kathleen Chamberlain on September 27, 1975 at the United Methodist Church in Boscobel. The couple has made Wisconsin Dells their home for the past 33 years. Mark was devoted to his family, proud of his children’s accomplishments, and enjoyed doing activities with his grandchildren. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, camping and wildlife preservation. He loved to tinker with “his toys”, building, fixing and riding motorcycles, boats, jeeps, ATVs, and tractors. He loved cooking, especially wild game and hog roasts, gardening, canning and grilling. He was eager to surround himself with friends, tell stories, entertain and help with projects. In retirement he enjoyed teaching his 2-year-old Springer Spaniel Buddy new tricks.
Mark is survived by his wife Kathleen Johnson of Wisconsin Dells. A son Justin M. Johnson of Baraboo, three grandchildren Jessika, Janessa and Jayden. A daughter Porscha K. Johnson of Wisconsin Dells. Three sisters Catherine Corpian and special friend Karl Jacobson of McGregor Ia., Lona (Regg) Adams of Boscobel, Linda (Jorge) Polanco of Onalaska. Sister-in-laws Patricia (Bill) Roseliep of Boscobel, Alisa (Rick) Oswald of Prairie du Chien, Marcia (Charles) Elliott of California, and brother-in-law Gary (Linda) Chamberlain of Fennimore. His step mother Lois Johnson of Boscobel. His mother-in-law Eleanor Chamberlain of Prairie du Chien. He was preceded in death by his parents along with his father-in-law Paul Chamberlain.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday October 8, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Boscobel. Pastor Charles Koester officiating. Burial in the Boscobel Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday October 7, 2013 from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at the Kendall Funeral Home in Boscobel and at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Military honors will be accorded by the Blake-Semrad American Legion Post # 134 and the Gilbertson-Pitzer VFW Post # 10393 both of Boscobel. On line condolences can be sent to www.kendallfuneralservice@gmail.com
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, (go to http://www.firehero.org/index2.html click “ways to contribute” on the site) or memorials can be given to the Wisconsin Conservation Warden Association which gives scholarships to college students that are studying to become Game Wardens go to (http://www.wigamewarden.com/SCHOLARSHIPS.html donate to the address at the bottom of the page in Mark’s name).
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