Alan Leonard Johnson

Although Alan Johnson would have appreciated this obituary to be in Pig Latin because he enjoyed making others laugh, it is with profound sorrow that we announce his unexpected passing on Sunday, December 1, 2024, while in Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital.

He was born a “wild guy” to Leonard and Irene (Johnston) Johnson in Milwaukee on May 22, 1941. Alan grew up in Menomonee Falls and graduated from Menomonee Falls High School in 1959. Immediately after, he enlisted in the US Army until 1961. Alan was an inactive duty soldier stationed in South Korea, receiving a Good Conduct Medal for his service (we think they were supposed to give him a ‘Naughty Conduct Medal’ because of his tomfoolery). The tales of his time in the military are abundant with funny, yet questionable, antics – but he gained lifelong friends from his experiences.

He ventured back from basic training in 1960 for a unique Monday wedding to his bride of 64 – scratch that – might as well be 65 years as far as we’re concerned. Alan and LaVerne (Imse) were married on May 16, 1960, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Menomonee Falls, where they made their home and raised two wonderful sons. Now, 65 wedded years holds a lot of ups and downs; some fighting, getting on each other’s nerves, and so on; however, each night, no matter what, Alan and LaVerne always kissed and said: “I love you and goodnight”. Indifferent to the bad times, the relationship was full of comfort and a true definition of unconditional love.

After being honorably discharged from the Army, Alan received his real estate and brokerage certifications, working for Milwaukee Investment Realty before starting his successful company, Investors Limited Realty. Alan had a very prosperous career, making beautiful friends and memories. It often felt like he was in school until he was 80.

When he was a bit younger, Alan loved taking to the open road on his motorcycle with LaVerne on the back, and the two would take weekend trips and road trips with friends. They had great memories of going to the south, like Savannah, Georgia, and any time spent in or near the Mississippi River. One year, the water level was low enough for a quick dip. The family would venture out on lakes in and around Pewaukee and take trips well-spent up north. To put it politely, it’s a good thing the boat never needed fixing because Alan didn’t care much for tools. He was a substantial shareholder of duct tape, though.

We could call Alan a hunter, but he just went for the social aspects (chili and doughnuts). He loved reading - reading huge novels, or reading anything about history. If not reading, he would most likely be kicking it back watching the Packer or Badger Football games if he couldn’t go. He would often be found with his friends of VFW Post 449 of Brookfield, where they would also march in various holiday parades. The VFW was a massive part of Alan’s life.

More than this, Alan loved his family with all his heart and was a steadfast anchor for them. He was a mentor and a beautiful example for everyone around him. He was the guy who was always there for anyone, so much so that he would go around handing out pamphlets for VA healthcare information to anyone who could use it. He was a community guy with a servant’s heart and, above all, a family man. He gave, literally and figuratively, to so many people, and it’s not just his family that mourns his loss. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will forever carry on his memories and legacy. Their grandpa was always there for all their activities, special times they went on vacation, and his ardent advocacy of his grandchildren getting an excellent education to set them far ahead in life. It is no hyperbole that he will be so profoundly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

He leaves behind LaVerne to carry on the family and his two sons, Ronald Johnson and David “Dave” (Polly) Johnson. His treasured grandkids, Mandy (John) David, Alissa (Brent) Christianson, and Benjamin (Bridgette) Johnson will forever remember his life and legacy. Alan (A.K.A Baca) loved his four great-grandchildren deeply, including Emmett, Eleanor, and Eames David, and Lucy Christianson. Further surviving Alan are his sister- and brother-in-law, Shirley (Allen) Mackey, and their children Rich and Lynn. There are too many friends to list that will miss Alan, but know that each one was very special to him.

Alan was greeted by his parents, parents-in-law, and sister, LaVonne (Eddie) Bickler.

So many ‘thank yous’ are due to all the wonderful people in his life, especially and most recently, the First Responders from Station 99 of Menomonee Falls Fire Department, all the doctors and nurses from Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital, his friends from VFW 449, and the Clement J. Zablocki VA Hospital for the years of caring for Alan.

MASS: A Memorial Mass in memory of Alan will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, where he was married 65 years ago, located on N74W13604 Appleton Avenue, Menomonee Falls, WI - 53051. There will not be a visitation before mass, but fellowship will follow the mass in the church vestibule. The burial will take place on a later date in St. Anthony’s Cemetery.

Alan held many special charities close to his heart, especially St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, St. Anthony Catholic Church, and assistance from the Clement Zablocki VA. The family would greatly appreciate donations in his honor.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Alan’s arrangements. Additional information and Tribute Wall may be found on www.myrhum-patten.com.