Individual Details

Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, Wisconsin, Saturday, September 25, 2004: Madison---Verdine "Dean" Johnson, age 87, passed away peacefully at his home, Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2004, surrounded by his loving family and faithful companion, his dog, Jake. Dean, a lifelong Madison resident, was born on June 16, 1917, the son of Julian H. and Gladys L. Johnson. He was a member of Madison East High School, class of 1935, and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating in 1939. Dean was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. In December 1940, Dean married the love of his life, Alberta A. Felly. He served in the United States Navy during World War II as a pharmacist mate third class. He played basketball for the United States Naval Hospital team, sang in the Great Lakes Naval Choir, and earned the Victory, and American Theatre medals. After his honorable discharge in 1946, Dean returned to Madison and worked with his father at Johnson Insulating Company, retiring as president in May 2004. He was a past president of the Madison Mechanical Contractors Association. Throughout his life, Dean, also known as "V.J.," was active in many charitable and service organizations. He was a 32nd degree Mason-Valley of Madison, a member of Hiram Lodge No. 50 F.&A.M., and a member of Zor Shrine. Dean joined the Madison Central Lions Club in 1951. He was elected club president in 1958, and District Governor (District 27D) in 1961. He was awarded the title of International Counsellor in 1962, and after serving as club secretary for 27 years, was awarded life membership in 1984. In 1988, Dean was presented with the Melvin Jones Fellow Award by Lions Club International. A longtime member of Nakoma Country Club, Dean became president in 1963. He served as treasurer for 18 years, secretary for five years, and was on the Board of Directors for 28 years. In 1996, he was awarded honorary lifetime membership. Dean excelled in athletics, winning championships in horseshoes, golfing a hole in one at Nakoma, and bowling three 300 games. He was active in the A.B.C. and a fixture in the Madison Classics League for many years. His skills earned him induction into the Madison Bowling Hall of Fame in 1985. A lifelong member of Luther Memorial Church, Verdine served with his daughter, Julie, as an usher on many Sunday mornings in the month of November. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Henry "Hank" Johnson. Dean is survived by "his favorite," his wife of 63 years, Alberta; three daughters, Bonnie (Allan) Mann of Durand, Mich., Julie Schutz of Sun Prairie, and Janine (Michael) Farmer of Wildwood, Mo.; and a son, Dean (Signe) Johnson of Albion. Dean has six grandchildren and 3.5 great grandchildren. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to all those who supported and cared compassionately for their father. Dean's funeral and Masonic service will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, Sept. 27, 2004, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road. Friends may greet the family on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and again one hour prior to the services at Cress. Burial at Roselawn Memorial Park will immediately follow the service. Memorials may be made to Madison Central Lions Club Foundation. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434 www.cressfuneralservice.com.

Birth	16 Jun 1917	Madison, Dane Co., Wisconsin
Marriage	Dec 1940	Alberta Angeline Felly
Death	21 Sep 2004	Madison, Dane Co., Wisconsin
Burial		Roselawn Memorial Park, Monona, Dane Co., Wisconsin

Spouse

Alberta Angeline Felly (1919 - 2012)