Girard R. “Jerry” Johnson

Girard R. “Jerry” Johnson, age 78 of Pepin, formerly of Wausau, died peacefully on Monday, February 22, 2016 at his home in Pepin with his family by his side.
Jerry was born on October 6, 1937 in Appleton. He was the son of Raymond and Mildred (Girard) Johnson. Jerry grew up in Appleton and graduated from Appleton High School. He then attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, majoring in Physical Education. Jerry began teaching and coaching in Grafton. While there, he met and married the love of his life, Mary Smith on August 4, 1962 at the Pepin United Methodist Church. After marriage, they moved to Wausau where Jerry taught and started the Wausau West Football program and became the first head coach. Jerry and Mary taught at Wausau West the rest of their careers. After retirement, Jerry and Mary moved to Pepin. In 2007, Wausau West named the outdoor practice facility in Jerry’s honor.
Jerry enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, playing cards, and going on drives for ice cream. His passion in life was high school football; Jerry was an innovator and student of the game. Most of all, Jerry loved spending time with family and friends.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 53 years; Mary, children; Scott (Lisa) of Wausau, Ann (Jeff) Stewart of Wayzata, MN, Beth (Brent) Olmstead of West St. Paul, MN, Ted (Rebecca) of Pepin and Eric (Christine) of Brooklyn Park, MN, 13 grandchildren, one great grandson, one brother; Rick (Sally) Johnson of Green Bay, two sisters; Jan (Mike) Frans of Wales and Kris (Mike) Zeidler of Wausau, one brother-in-law; John Talley of San Antonio, TX, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister; Judy Talley.
Funeral Services will be 2:00 PM Saturday, February 27, 2016 at the Pepin United Methodist Church at 504 2nd Street in Pepin with Rev. Lisa Weaver and Rev. Mike Frans officiating. Friends may call from 12:00 PM Noon until the time of services at the church on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jerry’s name to the University of Minnesota-Parkinson’s Disease Research, the Pepin United Methodist Church, or the Jerry Johnson Football Scholarship Fund.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.
Condolences may be made online at www.rhielfuneralhome.com.