Gary Lee Johnson, age 71 of Paoli, Wisconsin, ended the wonderful life God gave him peacefully on Friday, October 8, 2021. He is the son of the late Ray and Leona (Wittwer) Johnson, of Paoli. He was born on November 9, 1949, in Madison at Madison General Hospital, now Meriter.

He grew up in a town that has changed so much since he left that he hardly recognized it. He attended grade school in Paoli, but that building is no longer a school house. He attended high school in Belleville, Wisconsin, in a school that was torn down when he was a junior. He graduated from the new Belleville High School in 1967. He went to UW-Platteville for two years and then received his BA in Accounting from UW-Madison. His first job was at Blied Office Supply, which no longer exists. His second job was at Sub-Zero Freezer Company from which he retired. He then taught and tutored at Madison Area Technical College until 2004, when he officially retired.

Gary was a life time member of Zwingli United Church of Christ in Paoli, Wisconsin. When he was younger, he directed the youth choir there. Throughout his life he enjoyed singing songs and listening to music. He was passionate about donating blood to the American Red Cross.

He lived at Segoe Terrace Apartments for over 28 years, where he enjoyed spending time with friends, playing cards and bingo. He lived at Crossroads Care Center in Sun Prairie the last three years until his death. He especially enjoyed his last roommate, Steve. Gary and Steve were like two peas in a pod and especially enjoyed watching Badgers and Packers games together.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Ray and Leona Johnson; eight aunts and uncles; several cousins; and his grandparents.

Gary is survived by his brother, Terry A. Johnson; a multitude of cousins; two nieces; and many DEAR friends, including Jessica, Sue, Mary and Edi.

Gary would like to thank all of the CNAs, Nurses, PTs, OTs and Caregivers who have taken care of him over the years, both in his home and at the many facilities he lived at. He would especially like to thank his dear friend, Kimberly Chan, who is MORE THAN A DEAR FRIEND (she was like a daughter to him).

A Service of Christian burial will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at the Paoli Cemetery, 1300 County Rd PB, Belleville, WI (in the event of inclement weather, the service will be held at the chapel at the Becker-Beal Funeral Home). The honorably retired minister William Helmstetter will officiate.

The Becker-Beal Funeral Home of Belleville, WI, is assisting.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gary Johnson's name to the American Red Cross Badger Chapter, Agrace Hospice in Madison, the UW Carbone Cancer Center or to an organization of your choosing.

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