Alvin 'Al' Johnson, 63

Alvin Eric "Al" Johnson, age 63, of Roberts, Wis., passed away on Nov. 20 after a long battle with multiple system atrophy, a rare neurological disease, at his home in Roberts.

Al had an immeasurable love for the people in his life. Family, friends, colleagues, and customers were all important to him, and he always had an open and willing ear for woes and joys. If you needed a caring response, he understood and responded with concern. If you were expressing your joys, he would come back with great wit and verbal banter to bring laughter into your conversation. Even during his long disability and subsequent inability to speak, he blessed us with his smiles and laughter. This is how we hope you will remember him.

He was born the son of Eric A. and Karin (Skytte) Johnson on July 15, 1948, in Sandwich, Ill. Al graduated from high school in Somonauk, Ill., and went on to study animal science at UW - River Falls. There he was a member of Theta Chi fraternity and later served on the Alumni Board of Directors. He graduated in 1970. On Aug. 21, 1976, Al was united in marriage to Patricia Ann Kuebker in the backyard of that home. They were blessed with a son, Nicholas, and a daughter, Deidre.

Al co-owned a lumber yard and hardware store in Roberts from 1971-1980. Al and Patty started Kuebker-Johnson IBA, Inc., a dairy supply business, in 1982. Eventually they had six trucks that serviced the 1200 dairy farms in western Wisconsin. They sold that business in 2008. In 2003, Al and Patty started a new venture, Color Crossing, a yarn shop.

Al enjoyed being involved and volunteering with his kids' (Nick and Deidre) activities at school, church, and scouting. When Al took a break from running his business, he enjoyed working on his urban renewal project - the 1894 house that should have been torn down. During the last 35 years, it was completely gutted one room at a time; it always kept him busy with repairs and remodeling projects. In his woodworking shop/garage he made fabulous cutting boards, lawn furniture, and other items. His latest project was a wooden truck/bank for his granddaughter, Valeri. Al also enjoyed being in the garden growing fruit and vegetables. He enjoyed being a member of the St. Croix Valley Master Gardeners. Al was a member of the United Church of Christ in Roberts. He served the church as a member of the Board of Trustees, treasurer, and on the Board of Deacons. Throughout Al's life, he shared his love for music. He was known for playing the baritone ukulele with friends and family. At home, we spent time singing along with Al playing the piano, uke, and guitar.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Eric and Karin; his brother Dennis; and nephew Jeff.

He will remain in the hearts of his wife of 35 years, Patty; son, Nicholas (Julie Bugg) Johnson and his granddaughter, Valeri; daughter, Deidre Johnson; brothers Leonard (Elaine) and Herman (Marie); sisters, Leona (Bob) Lundgren and Jeanne (Bill) Merchant; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Visitation will be at O'Connell Funeral Home in Hudson, Wis., from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27. A funeral/memorial service will be held for Al at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 28, at Roberts United Congregational Church. Interment will be in Warren Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the Hazel Mackin Community Library, 311 W. Warren St., Roberts, WI 54023, or UWRF Foundation Theta Chi Fund.

Services have been entrusted to the O'Connell Family Funeral Home and Countryside Crematory, 520 11th St S., Hudson, WI 54016, www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com.

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