Gertrude "Gert" M. Johnson

Gertrude Mae Johnson, 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 7, 2024.  Gert was born February 24, 1931,  in Merrill, Wisconsin to the late Elmer and Elsie Leistikow.  She graduated from Merrill High School in 1949, and later married David Johson before he enlisted into the Army for two years on January 23, 1954.  They moved to Wausau in 1962, where they proceeded to reside for the duration of the beautiful life they built.

Gert lived a very full, beautiful life and enjoyed many years with family and friends at their cottage on Lake Pesobic in Merrill.  Sunday mornings were her favorites, breakfast, Polkas, facetiming her daughter, and playing around on her iPad.  She lovingly devoted her time to the ladies guild as well as taught Sunday School at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Wausau.  She spent her working years at Riser Oil where she happily retired and then enjoyed their 5th wheel camper for upward of 10 years traveling all over the US but mostly South for cold winters.  She loved her garden and the beautiful flowers her husband planted for her.  Gert had the sweetest of sweet tooths, she enjoyed baking, and sampling all of the goodies she made.  Gerts heart felt the fullest watching her great-grandchildren grow and play together on the property her and Dave made their home.  She felt most at peace in the summertime sitting outside on the porch swing soaking in the summer heat and basking in the country air.  She had many great accomplishments in her long life, but the greatest achievement was the beautiful family she and Dave built.

Survivors include her beloved husband, David Johnson of 70 years; daughter, Debra (Bob) Thompson; daughter-in-law, Terri Johnson; grandchildren, Mitchel (Mackenzie) Johnson, Madeline (Brandon) Smith; great-grandchildren, Myles, Maizy Johnson and Lincoln Smith; sisters-in-law, Judy Leistikow, Vera Yinger and Carol Johnson, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Larry Johnson, sisters, Lucille Raasch and June Roerick and a brother, Harlen Leistikow.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 18, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau.  Rev. Jim Mayland will officiate.  Entombment will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.  Visitation will be Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service all at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau.

A special thanks to the staff at Wausau Manor as well as Heartland Hospice for taking such good care of mom.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com