Walter “Wally” Russell Johnson passed peacefully on September 26, 2024, surrounded
by his loving wife Donna and family. Wally was born on July 23, 1930, to Gustave A.
and Anna (Mattson) Johnson in Glouster, MA. He graduated from Rockport High
School in 1948. During his High School years, Wally participated in theatre, was Class
Vice President, and was a standout athlete, having lettered in basketball and baseball
(4 years for both). His fast pitch was what got him noticed by major league scouts, most
notably the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees, who even came to his house.
But fate would intervene and change Wally’s future as his family moved to Fond Du Lac,
WI after graduation.
Wally enlisted in the Navy in 1950 during the Korean War and served aboard the USS
Thuban AKA-19. He served from 1950 – 1954 and continued service in the Naval
Reserve following Honorable Discharge.
Wally married the love of his life, Donna A. Flemming on June 1 st , 1957at St. Mary’s
Catholic Parish in Fond Du Lac, WI. They were blessed with 67 years together and
raised six children, Jean, John, Stephen, Mary, Judy and Patricia.
Wally was a devote catholic and a member of St. Peter Claver Catholic Parish. He was
a member of the Catholic Stewardship Appeal, The American Legion, Veterans of
Foreign Wars, Teamsters Union Local 344, UAW Local 1472, having served as Vice
President.
Following service, Wally was awarded The Good Conduct Medal, National Defense
Medal, Koren Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and was presented the
Certificate of Honor as a U.S. Veteran.
Wally had an incredibly strong work ethic. He began working for Twin Lights Soda
Bottling Co. in 1945 – 1948 as well as a caddied until moving to Fond Du Lac where he
worked in his uncle’s stone quarry in Hamilton Hill. After his Naval service, he began
working for United Parcel Service as a driver. UPS brought he and Donna to
Sheboygan where he was the first package driver in the county. Wally was also a
proprietor of a local establishment before hiring on with Vollrath Company where he
retired after 26 years in 1992.
Retirement didn’t last long, as he always wanted to keep busy. Wally returned to
Vollrath in security, delivered florals, was in maintenance at KCU, and a greeter at North
Walmart from which he finally retired at 88 years old.
In his spare time, Wally enjoyed watching The Brewers, PGA, and The Packers. He
liked game shows, playing cards, crossword puzzles, sudoku, bird watching and history.
He golfed often (and in leagues) and enjoyed breakfast with his friends. Wally was
extremely sharp and quick- witted. There were always many laughs in his company.
Wally loved spending time with his family, catching up on all his grandchildren’s
endeavors from any accomplishment, sporting events and travels. But most importantly,
Wally loved spending time with Donna, taking long drives frequenting the Lake and
picnics at the park.
Survivors include his wife, Donna, son John Johnson, daughters, Mary (Randall)
Polster, Judy (Neal) Verhulst, and Patricia (Greg) Fischer, son-in-law Scott Pool.
Grandchildren include Matthew (Hillary) Johnson, Dr. Stephanie (Dr. Patrick) Pool-
Murray, Paige (Zach) Voelker, Joshua (Morgan) Johnson, Brooke (special friend Ashtyn)
Johnson, Whitney (Jason) Zimbal, Dustin Polster, Lauren and Ethan Verhulst, Jacob
(Grace) Fischer, Michael (Mariah) Fischer, and Anthony (special friend Taylor) Fischer.
Great Grandchildren include Cailin Johnson, Nataly (special friend Josiah), Emerson,
Vernon, Vivian, Orson and Evelyn Zimbal, and Baby Murray.
Wally is preceded in death by his daughter Jean, son Stephen, his fur baby Fluffy,
parents, Gustave and Anna, brother, Arnold and sister-in-law, Hilda, parents-in-law,
Anthony and Peggy Flemming, brother and sister-in-law Buddy and Arden Flemming.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 12 Noon, on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at St. Peter
Claver Catholic Church, 1439 S. 12 th St., Sheboygan. The family will greet relatives and
friends from 11 AM until the time of Mass. Military Rites will follow on Parish grounds, A
private family burial will occur at a later date.
The family would like to thank Sharon S. Richardson at Home Hospice care, Jeremy
and Sam, Diana, Heidi, Veteran’s last pinning, Jen, Father Paul Fliss, Firefighters, and
First Responders, camo quilt volunteers and Fawn at Reinbold Novak Funeral and
Cremation Services.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and
Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice in Wally’s name.
Please visit our website to share your stories and leave your condolences for the family
www.reinboldfh.com.
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