Dennis K. Johnson

Loving husband, proud father, Dennis Johnson passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at the age of 84, surrounded by his wife and two sons. Cherished husband of Becky (nee Nottle).  Proud father of Eric (Elizabeth) Johnson and Scott (Jennifer) Johnson; and loving father of Jody (Michael) Rieder and granddaughter Gabrielle.  Dear brother of Patrick (Mary) Johnson, Arthur Johnson, and Karl (Kathleen) Johnson.  Kind brother-in-law of Mary Jane (Patrick) Stevens and Susan (Glenn) O’Neill.  Further survived by his sister-in-law Tracy Johnson, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Delores and Karl Johnson; his brother, Rick and sister, Vivian; and life long best friend of Gordon Rise.

The oldest of six children, he grew up in Toledo during the war years.  Always proud of his service to our country, he enlisted in the US Air Force after high school. He came to Milwaukee in 1957.  He worked wherever and whenever he could over the years, mainly in insurance adjusting and investigating. He was a true throwback; always a working man, doing everything he could to support his family.

When he found off time on a weekend, he could usually be found playing golf or hitting balls at a driving range. He golfed his whole life and could still beat his sons in a 9 hole match even at 80 years old.

Jody came along in 1962, followed by Eric in 1978, and Scott in 1980. He married Becky in 1974. Dennis loved his wife and children more than anything. He did everything possible to make life better for his family. Even when he became sick, his selfless, loving, kind way continued up until his final day. He was sharp and funny up until the end. In his last days, he was still referring to his boys by funny nicknames, enjoying songs he sang in the car with his daughter, and being able to rest at night when he knew his wife was doing the same.

To know Dennis was to love him. The man didn’t have a mean bone in his body. An eternal optimist, he stayed true to his kind ways until the end of his time here on earth.

He is survived by his wife and children, and countless friends. Some he knew for years, some were only touched by him for a moment, but all could see and will always remember the kind, gentle, happy soul he was and will always be. We take comfort in the fact that he died at home, and that he is at God’s side, free to drive his favorite car, and to golf with his brother Rick.

We love you, Dennis (Dad). You will live on forever in our hearts.

Visitation at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin on Friday, May 1, 2020, from 12:00 PM until time of service at 1:00 PM.  Interment Arlington Park Cemetery.