1930 - 2008

Paul L. Johnson, 78, died at Aurora Medical Center on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008.

He was born in Waukegan, Ill., on Aug. 3, 1930, to the late Eric A. and Emelia (nee: Hokans) Johnson.

Mr. Johnson proudly served his nation with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After the war, he married the love of his life, Marilyn J. Nichols, on April 3, 1954, at Calvary Temple Assembly of God Church in Waukegan.They moved to the Kenosha area shortly afterward.

He worked for Outboard Marine Corporation for 41- ½ years.

Mr. Johnson was a passionate member of the Korean Veterans S.E. Wisconsin Chapter 227, whose mission serves all veterans in need.In addition, he was a member of the Racine Carvers Club where he spent countless hours with his fellow wood carvers and dear friends. Also an artist, Mr. Johnson enjoyed his time painting. However, he was happiest when he was in the surroundings of his family.

His survivors include his dear wife, Marilyn Johnson of Pleasant Prairie; daughters, Linda (David) Neece of Seattle, Wash., Lisa (John) Franklin of Racine, Leslie Johnson of Merrill, Wis.; grandchildren, Angela Roepenack, Joshua Neece, Jinifer (Sean) Mapes, Christopher Neece, Ashley and Rachael Franklin, Eric and Stephanie Zengler; great grandchildren, Riley, Madison and Payton Mapes; brother, Edmund Johnson of Alabama; sister, Betty (Lawrence) Thomas of Bristol, Wis.; brother-in-law, James Nichols of Waukegan; as well as many dear nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant children, Paul Arthur and Laurie Johnson; an infant brother, LeRoy; and sister, Gladys (Donald) Hogan.

A service celebrating Mr. Johnson's life will be held at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Friday evening, Jan. 2, 2009, at 6 p.m.There will be a visitation in the funeral home from 4-6 p.m.His burial will take place with military honors in the Northshore Garden of Memories Chapel (1801 Green Bay Rd. North Chicago, IL60064) on Saturday at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to the Korean Veterans S.E. Wisconsin Chapter 227, WVCY 3434 W. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53208, and the Lakeview Christian Church (2300 Joanna Ave., Zion, IL 60099).

Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home

and Crematory

4600 County Line Rd.Racine, WI 53403

262-552-9000

draeger-langendorf.com