Milton “Milt” M. Johnson

Milton (Milt) M. Johnson, age 80, of Black River Falls, Wisconsin, died on December 3,
2022 at Pine View Terrace in Black River Falls. He was born on October 15, 1942, in Aitkin,
Minnesota, the son of Milton H. and Irja I. Johnson (nee Rikala). He was quite proud of that
Swedish-Finnish heritage. He was married to Judith Johnson (nee Larson), who died in 2006.
After graduating from Aitkin High School, Milt attended the Minnesota School of
Business in the Twin Cities, graduating in 1960 as a court reporter, a career he excelled at for
over 35 years. He worked in Michigan, Hurley, Wisconsin, for the Wisconsin Industrial
Commission, the Wisconsin Probation and Parole Board, as well as the circuit courts of Clark
and Jackson Counties. He made countless friends with courthouse staff, judges, and attorneys.
Milt had a twinkle in his eye, an impish grin, and an infectious laugh. He was a natural
storyteller, who when he walked into a room made friends with everyone. Beginning in Aitkin,
growing up with the Mississippi River running through town, Milt developed an early love for
fishing. Once again, he made many friends through fishing, whether on the ice, river and creek
banks, or Mississippi River fishing floats. Some of his best times were with his dear friend, Joe
King, of Neillsville, with whom he shared many fishing memories and stories.
One of his greatest pleasures was seeing the country, with many trips to his
grandparents’ Finnish family farmstead in Toimi, Minnesota, a source of countless fond
recollections. Post-retirement, he enjoyed camping, especially those occasions he was able to
take along his grandchildren. One of his favorite times of the year was the fall, when he could
go on his trips to admire the fall foliage.

Milt reveled in conversation, especially with his former coworkers, family, and friends.
He derived tremendous enjoyment from visits with his grandchildren and great grandchildren,
who he never failed to get “the biggest kick out of.” Unfortunately, they will now have to find
someone else to threaten to “box their ears” and another source for crossword advice.
Survivors include his special friend of many years, Betty Stasny, son Ed (Liz Davis),
daughter Kim (Mark Thomley), brothers Lowell (Colleen LeBlanc) and Ron, grandchildren Derek
(Asa Livingston), Paige (Alex Medinger), Trevor (Rosalee), and Taylor (Jessica), as well as great
grandchildren Adrian, Ezra, and Trevor Roy.
A visitation will be held at Torgerson’s Funeral Home, 408 N. Water Street, Black River
Falls, on Saturday, December 10, 2022, between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. with a prayer service and
music provided by Milt’s dear friend Nick Brylla at 3:45. A burial and celebration of life will take
place at a later date at the Toimi Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in
Milt’s name to the Toimi School, c/o Bob Kari, 2456 W. Newgord Drive, Ely, MN 55731. The
family would especially like to thank all the staff of Pine View Terrace for the care and warmth
shown to Milt during his residency there. He truly appreciated it, and so do we.
The Torgerson’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, 715-284-4321.