Girard R. “Jerry” Johnson, age 78 of Pepin, formerly of Wausau, died peacefully on Monday, February 22, 2016 at his home in Pepin with his family by his side.

Jerry was born on October 6, 1937 in Appleton. He was the son of Raymond and Mildred (Girard) Johnson. Jerry grew up in Appleton and graduated from Appleton High School. He then attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, majoring in Physical Education. Jerry began teaching and coaching in Grafton. While there, he met and married the love of his life, Mary Smith on August 4, 1962 at the Pepin United Methodist Church. After marriage, they moved to Wausau where Jerry taught and started the Wausau West Football program and became the first head coach. Jerry and Mary taught at Wausau West the rest of their careers. After retirement, Jerry and Mary moved to Pepin. In 2007, Wausau West named the outdoor practice facility in Jerry’s honor.

Jerry enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, playing cards, and going on drives for ice cream. His passion in life was high school football; Jerry was an innovator and student of the game. Most of all, Jerry loved spending time with family and friends.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 53 years; Mary, children; Scott (Lisa) of Wausau, Ann (Jeff) Stewart of Wayzata, MN, Beth (Brent) Olmstead of West St. Paul, MN, Ted (Rebecca) of Pepin and Eric (Christine) of Brooklyn Park, MN, 13 grandchildren, one great grandson, one brother; Rick (Sally) Johnson of Green Bay, two sisters; Jan (Mike) Frans of Wales and Kris (Mike) Zeidler of Wausau, one brother-in-law; John Talley of San Antonio, TX, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister; Judy Talley.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 PM Saturday, February 27, 2016 at the Pepin United Methodist Church at 504 2^nd Street in Pepin with Rev. Lisa Weaver and Rev. Mike Frans officiating. Friends may call from 12:00 PM Noon until the time of services at the church on Saturday.

There will also be a Celebration of Jerry’s Life with a date to be determined this summer in Wausau.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jerry’s name to the University of Minnesota-Parkinson’s Disease Research, the Pepin United Methodist Church, or the Jerry Johnson Football Scholarship Fund.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Frances (Poisson) Ilnicky December 28, 2016, at 3:27pm

   Jerry was the best football coach! My (then) husband Tom worked under him. Mary & I would plan "re-run" meals because the guys were constantly reviewing game films!
   He was a wonderful person, patient and generous with his time. My sincere condolences to Mary &
   family.

2. Kyle W Nelson February 27, 2016, at 5:04pm

   Thanks Coach for all your inspiration. I played for you in the 1976 and 1977 season. Because of your inspiration I coached football in Wausau for 10 years.

3. Pepin Fire Department February 27, 2016, at 9:29am

   "RIP Coach" Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

4. William Riebe February 26, 2016, at 9:14am

   Jerry was my football coach and driver ed. teacher at Grafton High School. A great man. Beyond that education, he taught me to be determined, courageous, and humble. I remember him coming to the football captains to let us know he was leaving for the opportunity at Wausau West. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

5. Mike Gilbertson February 25, 2016, at 11:20am

   Dear Johnson Family, Jerry "Mr. Johnson" was my homeroom teacher way back in the early to mid 70's at Wausau West. He is one of my fondest memories from highschool ! What a class act and wonderful guy ! Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mike Gilbertson

6. David Otte February 25, 2016, at 9:40am

   What a great AHS '56 classmate. What a football player. What a gentle, friendly gentleman who taught us many worthwhile life lessons. He was my friend, and we will miss him. All the best to the family. David

7. Cheryl Brindle February 25, 2016, at 9:14am

   Dear Mary & family, I'm so very sorry to hear about Jerry. I loved visiting with Jerry- what an extraordinary man. What a great sense of humor!!! I can remember the first time we put his "Lifeline" in and the next thing you know...here comes the EMT's, who were also family. Jerry laughed. I did not...it scared me to death! (Mary, you said: "Well at-least we know it works. LOL" The other family members on the EMT did NOT laugh. Opps...! I can smile about it now though. Again, I'm sorry for you loss!

8. Sue Dehart February 25, 2016, at 6:57am

   Dear Mary and all.
   So sorry to hear of Jerry's passing.
   We are in Mexico and won't be able to be there for the service. Sending you all big hugs and warm memories. See you this summer.

9. John Kaufman February 25, 2016, at 12:55am

   Mary and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate Jerry's life. I have often thought that the team of Mary and Jerry were a model to all of us as we embrace the ups and downs of life. Many people have been effected by your shared love.

10. Janet Koller Nelson February 24, 2016, at 1:26pm

    Dear Mary, My thoughts have been with you for a long time. You'd just pop up every once in a while. I loved Jerry as did everyone who knew him. He was a sweet boy in grade school and a great friend in high school. Whoever wrote the obituary did a wonderful job. Rest in peace Jerry. Janet Koller Nelson

11. Amy Gehrke February 24, 2016, at 12:06pm

    Jerry's sister, Jan Frans, introduced me to Jerry during a project I was doing with my 7th-grade students several years ago. Even though I only met him a few times, he left an impression on my life and the lives of my students. Thank you, Jerry. And as you said, "Think deeper"

12. M. Scott Ott February 24, 2016, at 11:31am

    My condolences to the Johnson family. Jerry was my football coach during my sophomore and junior year at Grafton. He taught me how to drive and helped me get started in officiating. Very sad to hear this and RIP.

13. Noel Eberhardt February 24, 2016, at 8:32am

    To my life long friend and family, I'll always remember your smiles, chuckles, friendship and outgoing warm personality. Thanks, Jerry, you left the world a better place.

14. Bart Heckendorf February 24, 2016, at 7:41am

    Coach you were the best! My prayers go out to your family. God welcomed home a very special person. The love of the game you instilled in me will live on for generations.

15. Jim O'Connor February 24, 2016, at 6:00am

    To Mary and the Johnson Family

    I said a prayer for you today
    and know God must have heard
    I felt the answer in my heart
    Although he spoke no word

    I didn’t ask for wealth or fame
    I knew you wouldn’t mind
    I asked Him to send you treasures
    of a far more lasting kind

    I asked that He’d be near you
    at the start of each new day
    to grant you health and blessings
    and friends to share your way

    I asked for happiness for you
    in all things great and small
    But it was for His loving care
    I prayed for most of all

16. Yvonne OCONNOR February 24, 2016, at 5:55am

    Jerry and Mary were the first people that my husband and I knew upon moving to Wausau back in 1976. My husband, at the time, Jim accepted a job along with an assistive football coach at West High. The minute we met Mary and Jerry we became friends. They introduced we to camping, which I had never done. Their family became ours. I had the privilege to have taught at West High along side with them until their retirement.
    I have never met another couple as generous with their love. Rest in peace Coach.

17. Dan Hein February 23, 2016, at 3:40pm

    Jerry Johnson will forever be a Wausau West icon. When you think of what a Warrior is, you think of Jerry Johnson. He fought so hard and loved so many. His actions as a teacher, coach, and friend was always with so much class. He loved his family and West football. I am honored to say that he was my friend. One of the best men I have ever known.

18. Remy Ceci February 23, 2016, at 2:53pm

    I'm so very sorry for your loss. May Jerry's memory be a blessing.

19. Carol and Steve Hemersbach February 23, 2016, at 2:07pm

    Our sympathy to Mary and the family as you grieve the loss of such a fine man. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. May he rest in peace.

20. Midge February 23, 2016, at 1:26pm

    A very dear man. Sending love and light to you all.

21. Eve Crandell February 23, 2016, at 1:04pm

    I met you only once but you left an impression. Ya see I am an aide for St Croix Hospice and was welcomed first by your beautiful cat who hopped right in my vehicle and then by your black lab who allowed me to come into your home to assist you. Then awesome you with your one eyed approval which turned into two eyes and then a huge smile. Thank you. No more pain only joy Jerry. Mary my condolences to you.

22. Mari Olive February 23, 2016, at 12:20pm

    My thoughts and prayers go out to the Johnson family. Jerry was a wonderful man!

23. Robert Waudby February 23, 2016, at 12:01pm

    He is free !!

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