JOHNSON, Terry L. 1959-2019

JOHNSON, STARKEY, KNUPPE, PHYLLIPS, JONES, WEMARK

Posted By: Diane Cunningham (email)
Date: 6/16/2019 at 13:43:42

(October 02, 1959- May 16, 2019)
Martin Funeral Home Obituary

Terry L. Johnson, 59, of rural Waukon, IA, died Thursday, May 16, 2019, at Gundersen Medical Center in La Crosse, WI, from injuries sustained in a car accident. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, June 9, 2019, from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the Jaycee Shelter at the Waukon City Park. Martin Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements.

Terry Lee Johnson was born October 2, 1959, in West Union, IA, the son of Dale and Beverly (Starkey) Johnson. He was baptized at the Forest Mills United Methodist Church in rural Postville, IA, and confirmed at First Presbyterian Church in Waukon, IA.

In 1979, Terry graduated from Waukon High School and then went to work for a while with the railroad. He also farmed and worked at various other places such as Northern Engraving in Waukon and for different construction operations.

On a rainy October 21, 2006 Terry married Deborah Knuppe at Dunnings Spring in Decorah, IA. Due to health issues, Terry was forced to retire in 2010.

He belonged to the Waukon Jaycees, the Allamakee Sportsmen Club, and recently joined the Mississippi Valley Sportsmen Club. Terry and Deb took up ATV riding and he became a member of the Allamakee ATV Club, where he was active in helping to legalize it in Allamakee County. The couple took trips to Wisconsin and to eastern South Dakota.

He loved to deer hunt, but also hunted for pheasants, turkey, squirrels, and coyotes; Terry especially enjoyed when the Johnson family all hunted together. Terry loved to fish for pan fish year round. He also enjoyed dirt track racing and helped his brother Kevin and others work on race cars. He liked watching movies and tv, particularly comedies, wrestling, and of course hunting and fishing shows, and loved to listen to music.

One big highlight in his life was attending a Craig Morgan concert. Since his parents were quite the dancers, Terry learned to dance at a young age as well.

Terry was a fun loving, forgiving person who loved going out and visiting with people every chance he got and was often seen at the sportsmen's Unlimited in Waukon. Terry mentored a lot of kids in the area, teaching them how to use a gun and how to fish. He loved his critters-dogs, cats and cows-and hated to see any of then suffer, His previous pets Ben, Rufus, and Pudge were always remembered fondly and his current pets Chloe and Cissy will miss him. As an organ donor, Terry's memory will live on through his gift of life.

Survivors include his wife Deb of rural Waukon; his two sons: Josh Johnson of Prairie du Chien, WI, and Cody Phillips of Cresco, IA; grandsons: Landon and Mason Johnson; his mother Beverly Johnson of Waukon; two sisters: Brenda (Mark) Jones of Harpers Ferry, IA, and Belva (Jeff) Wemark of Ridgeway, IA and his mother-in-law Elaine Knuppe of Waukon.

He was proceded in death by his father Dale; two infant brothers: Jeffrey and Greggory; and his father-in-law Eddie Knuppe.