THOMAS JOHNSON

Thomas “Tom” Bernard Johnson, age 73, passed away peacefully Friday, January 12, 2018 at Park View Health Center, Oshkosh WI, surrounded by his family.  He was born in Neenah, WI on December 23, 1944, to the late Bernard and Leone (Gajewski) Johnson.

He attended St. Mary's High School, Menasha where he was a basketball star.  Tom followed his passion and love for the game by serving as boys' and girls' basketball coach at St. Margaret Mary's Grade School in the ‘70s.  He was a WIAA referee for girls' and boys' basketball and also for the Appleton YMCA youth basketball program.  Tom also developed a love for running, swimming and biking and participated in a variety of marathons and triathlons.  Tom was a veteran of the Wisconsin Army National Guard. He was a member of St. Patrick's Parish, Menasha.  Tom was also a graduate of the LIVESTRONG Cancer Survivor Program at the YMCA.

Tom married the love of his life Cheryl “Sherry” Sommer on May 25, 1967.   Tom enjoyed traveling with his wife Sherry and their friends.   Tom was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed any opportunity to spend time with his family and friends whether it was family dinners and celebrations, camping, boating, fishing, having morning coffee at McDonalds or socializing at the Neenah Y.  Tom had an infectious smile that lit up the room.  His smile and sense of humor stayed with him to the very end. 

Tom is survived by his wife Sherry, two sons Barry (Danielle “Dani”) Johnson of  Neenah, Reid (Brenda) Johnson of Appleton, and one daughter, Heidi (Mark) Walters of Madison; 6 grandchildren, Bryce & Christian Johnson, Lauren & Luke Johnson and Evan & Elaina Walters. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by a son, Bryce David; his sister Joan Waskiewicz; and brother-in-law Martin “Marty” Waskiewicz.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday, January 18 at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick's Parish, 320 Nicolet Blvd., Menasha, Fr. Jim Hablewitz and Pastoral Leader Mary Krueger officiating. Friends may call at church from 9:00 AM until the time of service. 

The family extends special thanks to all the wonderful individuals at Park View Health Center in Oshkosh….the nurses, aides, staff and volunteers for their devoted, compassionate & supportive attention to Tom & his family and to all those who visited or sent greetings to Tom during the 4 1/2 years he stayed at Park View and to the staff of Thedacare Outpatient Therapy Department and Ascension Hospice Care.  

We miss you Tom/Dad/Grandpa. You will be forever in our hearts.  You are now walking, talking, running and flying with the Angels.  Forever loved.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Neenah Animal Shelter.