Duane “Sunny” Johnson

 

Duane “Sunny” Johnson, 91, of Blair, passed away Sunday, November 6, 2022, at Grand View Care Center in Blair.

Sunny was born December 21, 1930, to Svend and Minnie (Gunderson) Johnson. He attended the Sunnyside country school during his elementary years (which subsequently led to his nickname), and later graduated from Blair High School in 1948. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Greta Olson, June 4, 1955. They were blessed to share 67 years together. To this union, one daughter, Debra Lynnette, was born in May 1956. She sadly passed away in 2021.

Sunny was employed at the Preston Cooperative Creamery, later named AMPI, for 44 years, as a licensed Butter Maker and later advanced to Maintenance Superintendent. He retired in 1993. After retirement, he was a driver for Stetzer Electric. Sunny was drafted into the U.S. Army and served from 1951-1953. He performed basic training at Fort Riley, KS, and then was deployed overseas to the island of Okinawa in support of the Korean conflict.

Sunny was a past member of the Blair Preston Fire Department, Blair City Council, First Lutheran Church Council and Resthaven Cemetery Board. He was also a 70-year member of the Knudtson-Mattison American Legion Post 231, and served as past commander. Sunny was honored by being chosen as the Blair Cheese Festival Parade Marshal in 2001, the Blair Cheese Festival Civic Award Winner in 2008, and received a Blair Preston Fire Department Service Award in 2020.

Sunny was well-known for his tender heart, compassion, peaceful personality and witty humor. He loved a variety of sports, and was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and Wisconsin Badgers. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, gardening, traveling and going on leisurely drives.

Sunny is survived by his wife, Greta, of Blair; and sister, Janet Applequist, of Minneapolis, MN. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Debra; parents; brothers: James and Gary (“Svend”); brother-in-law, Paul Applequist; sister-in-law, Maxine Johnson; mother-in-law, Marjorie (Olson) Arneson; father-in-law, Orrin Olson; step father-in-law, Sanford Arneson; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service and burial with military rites was held Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at 1:30 p.m., at Resthaven Cemetery in Blair, followed by a gathering and Celebration of Life at the Town of Preston Town Hall from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Please direct memorials to the Knudtson-Mattison American Legion Post 231, Blair Preston Fire Department, Resthaven Cemetery, Blair Lutheran Church, Blair Cheese Festival, or charity of choice.

Kratz Funeral Home (www.kratzfuneralhome.com) is assisting the family.

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