Obituaries & Guestbook

Walter “Wally” Russell Johnson passed peacefully on September 26, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife Donna and family. Wally was born on July 23, 1930, to Gustave A. and Anna (Mattson) Johnson in Glouster, MA. He graduated from Rockport High School in 1948. During his High School years, Wally participated in theatre, was Class Vice President, and was a standout athlete, having lettered in basketball and baseball (4 years for both). His fast pitch was what got him noticed by major league scouts, most notably the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees, who even came to his house. But fate would intervene and change Wally’s future as his family moved to Fond Du Lac, WI after graduation.
Wally enlisted in the Navy in 1950 during the Korean War and served aboard the USS Thuban AKA-19. He served from 1950 – 1954 and continued service in the Naval Reserve following Honorable Discharge.
Wally married the love of his life, Donna A. Flemming on June 1st, 1957at St. Mary’s Catholic Parish in Fond Du Lac, WI. They were blessed with 67 years together and raised six children, Jean, John, Stephen, Mary, Judy and Patricia.
Wally was a devote catholic and a member of St. Peter Claver Catholic Parish. He was a member of the Catholic Stewardship Appeal, The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Teamsters Union Local 344, UAW Local 1472, having served as Vice President.
Following service, Wally was awarded The Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Koren Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and was presented the Certificate of Honor as a U.S. Veteran.
Wally had an incredibly strong work ethic. He began working for Twin Lights Soda Bottling Co. in 1945 – 1948 as well as a caddied until moving to Fond Du Lac where he worked in his uncle’s stone quarry in Hamilton Hill. After his Naval service, he began working for United Parcel Service as a driver. UPS brought he and Donna to Sheboygan where he was the first package driver in the county. Wally was also a proprietor of a local establishment before hiring on with Vollrath Company where he retired after 26 years in 1992.
Retirement didn’t last long, as he always wanted to keep busy. Wally returned to Vollrath in security, delivered florals, was in maintenance at KCU, and a greeter at North Walmart from which he finally retired at 88 years old.
In his spare time, Wally enjoyed watching The Brewers, PGA, and The Packers. He liked game shows, playing cards, crossword puzzles, sudoku, bird watching and history. He golfed often (and in leagues) and enjoyed breakfast with his friends. Wally was extremely sharp and quick- witted. There were always many laughs in his company. Wally loved spending time with his family, catching up on all his grandchildren’s endeavors from any accomplishment, sporting events and travels. But most importantly, Wally loved spending time with Donna, taking long drives frequenting the Lake and picnics at the park.
Survivors include his wife, Donna, son John Johnson, daughters, Mary (Randall) Polster, Judy (Neal) Verhulst, and Patricia (Greg) Fischer, son-in-law Scott Pool. Grandchildren include Matthew (Hillary) Johnson, Dr. Stephanie (Dr. Patrick) Pool-Murray, Paige (Zach) Voelker, Joshua (Morgan) Johnson, Brooke (special friend Ashtyn) Johnson, Whitney (Jason) Zimbal, Dustin Polster, Lauren and Ethan Verhulst, Jacob (Grace) Fischer, Michael (Mariah) Fischer, and Anthony (special friend Taylor) Fischer. Great Grandchildren include Cailin Johnson, Nataly (special friend Josiah), Emerson, Vernon, Vivian, Orson and Evelyn Zimbal, and Baby Murray.
Wally is preceded in death by his daughter Jean, son Stephen, his fur baby Fluffy, parents, Gustave and Anna, brother, Arnold and sister-in-law, Hilda, parents-in-law, Anthony and Peggy Flemming, brother and sister-in-law Buddy and Arden Flemming.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 12 Noon, on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, 1439 S. 12th St., Sheboygan. The family will greet relatives and friends from 11 AM until the time of Mass. Military Rites will follow on Parish grounds, A private family burial will occur at a later date.
The family would like to thank Sharon S. Richardson at Home Hospice care, Jeremy and Sam, Diana, Heidi, Veteran’s last pinning, Jen, Father Paul Fliss, Firefighters, and First Responders, camo quilt volunteers and Fawn at Reinbold Novak Funeral and Cremation Services.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice in Wally’s name.