Carl Johnson, age 74, of Glen Flora, Wisconsin passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family members at 1:00 AM on Thursday, December 13, 2012.

Carl was born on April 7, 1938, in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, to Oscar & Olga Johnson, and lived his entire life on the Johnson Family Farm in Glen Flora. Carl was a dairy farmer, and at the time of his retirement from farming, had expanded the farming operation to nearly 400 acres with a herd of all registered Guernsey cattle. Carl was a good steward of his cattle and the land, making sure both were cared for in the very best way.

Carl was known to many as the heart and soul of Glen Flora. Throughout his life, his ability to organize and provide leadership came through time and time again. He served on the Church Council of Glen Flora Lutheran Church for over fifty years, many of those years being President of the Congregation; he was also one of the original organizers of the Glen Flora Community Club, serving as its President since the Club began in 1976. In addition, over the years he was the Chairman for the Township of True, represented his community on the Rusk County Board, was a member of the FHA Board, Rusk County Guernsey Breeders Board, Soil Conservation Board, and in 1995 was a key leader in bringing the State's Alice in Dairyland Contest to Rusk County which included hosting the Ag Showcase in Glen Flora. Carl also hosted Rusk County's June Dairy Month Open House in 1991.

Carl will be most remembered as the man who could fix anything. When his health caused him to retire from active dairy farming, he began working more and more in his 'shop'. Carl would be found day after day working in his shop repairing machinery and making parts for his friends and neighbors, as well as making wrought iron items such as candelabras, shepherd hooks, and snowmen. He was known as the man who could fix anything, and always welcomed a challenge.

Carl is survived by his siblings: Martin "Pucky" of Fall Creek, Wisconsin, Marie "Tootsie" and her husband Spence of Rothschild, Wisconsin, Marlene of Glen Flora, James "Jimmy" of Marengo, Illinois, and Martha of Glen Flora; along with many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Oscar & Olga Johnson, a brother William "Billy", a sister-in-law Helen, a brother-in-law Clyde, and a great-nephew Elliott.

A Service to Celebrate the life of Carl Johnson will be held at Glen Flora Lutheran Church on Monday, December 17, 2012, at 12:00 Noon, with Pastor Dwight Hanson officiating. Visitation will be at the Church beginning at 10:00 AM.

Taken from the August 28, 2008, issue of The Ladysmith News in an article written by retiring editor John Terrill: "Carl Johnson: The Glen Flora Celebration and village park and pavilion wouldn't be what they are without Carl's leadership of the Community Club. I don't think he's ever said 'no' to any job that betters the community."