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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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Condolence Booklet
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Ron Capacio
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Posted Fri October 04, 2013
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I would like to express my sincere condolences to Mark's Family and Friends. Mark became almost an instant friend when I worked as a replacement Fire Technician at Necedah Ranger Station. His snickerish grin , his great knowledge of Forest Fire Fighting technique and equipment, the great jokes he told and much more. Mark definitely was liked by many. Whenever we had Fire Training I was always looking forward to rekindling our friendship. Mark will be greatly missed.
Ron Capacio
Retired Forestry Technician - Trout Lake - Boulder Junction
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Kayla Gosh
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Posted Sat October 05, 2013
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Kathy and family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Kayla
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Rita & Tino Novinska
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Posted Sat October 05, 2013
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This makes me very sad to lose another fellow classmate of "69". Mark always had that perfect smile and great attitude. We're very sorry for your loss.
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Mike & Jayne Belsky
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Posted Sat October 05, 2013
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Our thoughts and prayers are with Marks family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Both my husband Mike & I had worked with Mark for many years. So many good memories.
He will be missed.
Mike Belsky Necedah National Wildlife Refuge (Retired)
Jayne Belsky Buckhorn State Park & Necedah Ranger Station SEAT Program (Retired)
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Tom Roth Meehan
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Posted Sat October 05, 2013
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Kathy,I was so sorry to hear about Mark's passing. Please accept my sincerest sympathy. As a BHS fellow 69er, I remember Mark fondly for his great attitude and sportsmanship.
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Mark Dilley
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Posted Sat October 05, 2013
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Kathy and family,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. It has been a long time since I have had any contact with you or Mark, but I have not forgotten the fond memories I have of you and my time in Boscobel. May the grace of God comfort you throughout you time of grieving and give you peace. You are in our prayers.
Mark Dilley
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Jim Whitish
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Posted Sat October 05, 2013
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Hard to think we lost Mark. Always looked forward to running into him in Boscobel or a class reunion or wedding, anywhere you ran into Mark there would be stories and laughs. My thoughts go out to Kathy and the family as well as his sister's and in-laws. We have lost a good friend.
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Justin Johnson
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Posted Sun October 06, 2013
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Dad,
I miss you so incredibly much; your smiles, laughs, and jokes. I still can’t believe you are gone. You were taken much too soon, we had so many things to do together and I so much to learn. With every passing day I discover a little more about your life and the man I call dad. Memories of you will be forever etched in our hearts. Until we meet again.
Love always
Justin
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Ray Briggs
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Posted Sun October 06, 2013
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So very sorry for the passing of Mark. I met Mark when I filled in at the Necedah Ranger Station for a spring fire season and then the following year as a mentor for new technicians. Worked on several different forest fires with Mark and greatly respected his knowledge and experience. Absolutely loved meeting up with Mark at training sessions and conventions. The socializing hours were the best!!
Ray Briggs retired Forestry Tech. from Rhinelander Ranger Station
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shelly pugh
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Posted Sun October 06, 2013
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Kathy and Family so sorry to hear about your loss- Our thoughts and
prayers are with you at this difficult time
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Eileen (MAAG) Durand
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Posted Mon October 07, 2013
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My deepest sympathies go out to you Kathy and your families.
I also am a 1969 classmate that has great memories of Mark in High School, and our class reunions. Mark always had that smile that would make you feel welcome and would say hi as soon as he saw you.
May your memories help comfort you all during this difficult time.
God bless you and your families,
Eileen (MAAG) Durand
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John Kretschmann
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Posted Mon October 07, 2013
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My deepest sympathies go out to Mark's family and friends. I knew him as a fun guy and caring individual who could light up the day just by showing up. He will be missed by many.
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PHILIP AND JULIE SMOLEN
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Posted Mon October 07, 2013
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My wife and I wish to thank Mark and family for his service to our community. We will keep our hearts in - prayer for Mark, he was a good 'ol boy and will be missed. He was good-people. The crew at Hovlands will miss him, Dennis meyer and family also. Robert Dixon and his wife also send their sympathy. Phil Smolen
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Diane Van Beek
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Posted Tue October 08, 2013
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Kathy and kids sorry for you loss. Mark was a great guy to be around and we shared alot of laughs at the B-Hive. He will be greatly missed by many. Rest in Peace Mark.
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loren lecy
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Posted Tue October 08, 2013
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johnson family: mark and i often talked over hunter education issues when he would stop at the sheriff dept. he would always have a great story to share and always had time to say hi. i knew he retired but lost track of him. i am so sorry for your loss. hold each other close and his memories closer during this time in your lives. long live his memory
loren lecy
adams county sheriff dept (retired)
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Tana (Gilbertson) Johnson
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Posted Wed October 09, 2013
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Kathy and family, my heart goes out to you. Not only was Mark a fellow classmate, but a neighbor for many years while I was growing up.
We all hope to live a long life, but we never really know. May your many happy memories sooth you.
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Image: dan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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