Charles H. “Bubs” Johnson, age 74, of Merrill, died Sunday, June 12, 2011, at University Hospital, Madison.
Bubs was born January 16, 1937, in Merrill, son of the late Charles H. and Hazel (Gilbertson) Johnson. He married Judi Murphy on January 24, 1987. She survives. Bubs was a 1955 graduate of Merrill Senior High School and had earned a “letter” in football in 1954. He was a member of the Merrill Silver “M” Club and had attained his Golden “M”. Bubs served with the Merrill Police Department for many years, and retired a Chief of Police in 1996. He was currently a sales clerk at both Cimino’s Gun & Archery and Murphy’s Mini-Mart, both in Merrill. Bubs was an active member of the Lincoln County Sports Club, serving as the club treasurer, banquet chairman, and banquet master of ceremonies. He was also a member of the Merrill Optimist Club, the Rock Falls Rod & Gun Club, and V.F.W. Bubs enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren; watching high school sports, especially girls basketball; hunting and fishing; and spending time at the family cabin located along the Wisconsin River in the town of Rock Falls. He was proud to be a U.S. Marine, and served from 1955 until his honorable discharge in 1959.
Survivors include his wife Judi Johnson, Merrill; five daughters, Cindy (Todd Detert) Johnson, Wausau, Cathy Kufahl, Merrill, Chris (Don Kosmicki) Johnson, Merrill, Cheryl (Jeffrey) Moeser, Mosinee, and Jennifer (Mark) Peterson, Merrill; one son, Charlie (Marge) Johnson, Merrill; 18 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren, with one on the way. Bubs was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Siarra Detert; two grandsons, James Yonke and Lucas Anderson; one brother, John Liebig; and one sister, Caroline Lapsenburg.
The funeral will be at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, June 16, 2011, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Maurice Schaus will officiate. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery, Town of Rock Falls, with graveside military rites conducted by the Merrill V.F.W. Post 1638 Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, and again after 9:00 A.M. Thursday, all at Our Saviour’s Church.
In lieu of flowers, the Johnson Family has suggested memorials be directed to the Lincoln County Sports Club or the Merrill Area Special Olympics.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com