June 15, 2023 at 11:48 a.m.
Denise D. Johnson
Denise D. Johnson
Denise was born on July 1, 1952 in Rantoul, Ill. As part of an Air Force family, she lived across the United States and Europe. She graduated from Rhinelander High School, and went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, and later earned her master's degree at the Naval War College.
Denise enjoyed a successful career as a civil servant, supporting tactically relevant and high priority efforts until her retirement in 2015. Denise's loyalty and kindness were hallmarks of her life and key tenets that she imparted on her fellow government workers and many mentees.
Denise was an avid gardener, and enjoyed many different hobbies, including cake decorating, after her retirement. Many benefitted from the fruits of her labor, literally and figuratively. As a fan of racing, she frequented motorcycle racetracks and car shows. She had a lifelong love for dogs, and when the beguiling Felix stole her heart, she became a feline follower as well. Denise had an affection for all animals, as indicated by her many figurines and paintings of zebras and giraffes.
A lifelong Green Bay Packers fan, Denise was proud of her Cheesehead roots, and faithfully watched the games from her home in San Diego, decked in her lucky Packers gear. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and the gifts she wrapped were almost too beautiful to open. She traveled back to Rhinelander every holiday season for years to celebrate with family. Denise never lost touch with her inner child, delighting in celebrations, gift-giving, Disney movies, and games. She had an amazing ability to continually see life in the most positive light, and brought much laughter and love to all who knew her.
Denise valued her family and her friends who became extended family, and we hold her memory in gratitude for the things she taught us and the time we shared together.
Denise is survived by her sisters, Karla Johnson (Lee Lindberg) of Woodruff, Susan (Peter) Laing of Grafton, and Mary Richardson of Rhinelander, stepmother Carol Richardson of Rhinelander, nieces Stephanie Roou and Jennifer Yonker of Rhinelander, Jamie (Gus) Rodriguez of Orlando, Fla., Jessica Noe of Bradenton, Fla., and Kelsey Neuhauser (Mitchell Lovejoy) of Lakeville, Minn.; nephews Nathan (Jen) Rule of Orlando, Fla., and Jack Neuhauser of Cedarburg, as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews.
She is further survived by her best friend and co-conspirator, Robert Calland, and his wife, Judy Gibson, who provided Denise with a happy and loving home when her health no longer allowed her to live alone. She was preceded in death by her father Richard K. Johnson, mother Carlyn Richardson, and stepfather Roland Richardson.
A memorial gathering was held at Carlson Funeral Home on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at noon followed by internment and graveside services at 1 p.m. at the Forest Home Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association. You may leave your private condolences for the Johnson family at www.carlsonfh.com.
The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Johnson family.
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