Philip H. Johnson, age 79, passed away of natural causes on Monday, June 20, 2016, at his home in rural Belleville, surrounded by family. He was born September 11, 1938, in Dodgeville, WI, to Lenore (Syse) and Howard Johnson.

Raised in Argyle, Phil attended Augsburg College and UW-Platteville, where he received a Biology degree. As a young man he spent several adventure-filled years in Alaska working on the railroad and fighting forest fires.

Phil began his teaching career at Kamehameha Schools in Honolulu, HI, where he taught high school biology. He met and married the love of his life, fellow teacher, Carolyn Bonebrake. During his years in Hawaii, when he wasn't jogging barefoot through the banana patch with faithful Koa by his side or collecting critters for his classroom, Phil was active in many community organizations, including the Sierra Club and President of the Conservation Council of Hawaii.

Phil returned with his family to his beloved Wisconsin where he spent a couple years building his beautiful home stave by stave, among the flora and fauna that kept him forever amazed and amused. He went on to work for Promega Corporation and then the UW-Madison Biochemistry Department. Continuing his community spirit, Phil was active with Montrose Township functions. During his retirement years, he kept himself entertained by delivering produce from his many gardens, teaching at UW College for Kids, volunteering at Sons of Norway, and endless weed whacking at his second home, Donald Park, just north of Mt. Vernon.

Phil is survived by his wife, Carolyn; children, Greg and Michelle (Mike) Skeels; grandchildren, Kelly and Chris Skeels; as well as his brothers, William and Richard.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Join family and friends for a Celebration of Life at Donald Park, 1945 State Road 92, Mount Horeb, WI, on Saturday, July 23, 2016, at 2:00 p.m., with a Service of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m., and very hot coffee, light refreshments and good conversation to follow.

Please consider a donation to the Friends of Donald Park or the good folks at Mount Horeb Sons of Norway, who helped Phil discover he looked pretty darn good in bunad!

An online memorial with guestbook is available at http://www.bealfuneralhomes.com.