Thelmer "TJ" O. Johnson

Thelmer (TJ) Odin Johnson, 92, of Coon Valley died Friday, February 27, 2015 at Bethany St. Joseph Nursing Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

He was born March 15, 1922, to Joseph and Clara (Strangstalien) Johnson in rural Westby, Wis. He was baptized and confirmed at Vang Lutheran Church.

Thelmer worked on the family farm until being drafted into the army at the end of WWII. He served in the Pacific Theater on the island of Saipan for his entire tour of duty.

After returning from military service he returned to farming in rural Cashton. In 1960 he moved to Coon Valley and worked as a carpenter for Gilbertson Bros. Construction until he retired. He was an accomplished woodworker and maintained a lifetime interest in that hobby. Gardening was another lifelong interest. He continued planting his vegetable gardens until 2014, giving loving attention to his favorite tomatoes.

Survivors include nieces: Jenny Gilbertson of Coon Valley, Wis.; Jean (Gullord) Seiter of Hurley, Wis.; Juanne Pesick of Hemet, Cal.; Janice (Johnson) Peterson of Viroqua, Wis.; JoNett (Johnson) Werch of Vale, Ariz.; Rebecca (Johnson) Miech of Yorba Linda, Cal.; Janet (Johnson) Revles of El Cajos, Cal.; Shelly (Johnson) of Wash.; nephews Clarian Jacobson of Milwaukee, Wis.; Carlan Gullord of Minneapolis, Minn.; Dr. Martin Johnson of Phoenix, Ariz.; Lawrence Johnson of Tex.; Robert Johnson of Ariz.; and Andrew Johnson of Ariz.

In addition to his parents, preceding him in death were siblings Argyle Johnson, Jimmy Johnson, Lloyd Johnson, Alida Josephine Jacobson, Judith Gilbertson, and Eva Gullord; and nephews Harlan Johnson and Donovan Jacobson,

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 7 at Vang Lutheran Church, with visitation from 12 p.m. until the time of services. Rev. Dan Wollman will officiate. Burial, with military honors provided by the Coon Valley American Legion Post #116, will be in the church cemetery.

The family would like to thank the palliative care staff at Bethany St. Joseph Nursing Center in La Crosse. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bland Bekkedal Hospice Center in Viroqua or to the Knutson Memorial Library in Coon Valley.