Jerome “Jerry” William Johnson, 83, of Park Falls, formerly of Whitewater, died on July 17, 2014 at Park Manor Nursing Home, Park Falls. He was born in Eau Claire on May 2, 1931, to the late Jasper and Evelyn (Peterson) Johnson.
His early life and schooling were in Eau Claire. Jerry enlisted in the United States Air Force at the age of 19 during the Korean War. He served three years in Germany as a cryptographer with the U.S. Air Force Security Service.
After serving his country he earned his bachelor’s degree in teaching from the University of Eau Claire and taught U.S. and world history at the Park Falls High School from 1957 until 1964.
He married Beatrice “Beba” Malach on Aug. 8, 1964, in Park Falls.
Jerry earned masters degrees from the University of Colorado and the University of Denver. He served on the faculty of the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, as assistant professor of Learning Resources for 28 years in the capacities of special collections librarian, university archivist and records manager, and director of the Area Research Center for Local History.
Jerry and Beba returned to Park Falls in 1994. Jerry was a member and past commander of the Park Falls VFW Post, an active member of the Park Falls American Legion Post, and a former member of the Park Falls Masonic Lodge.
He is survived by his wife; son, Rick Johnson of Seattle, Wash.; brothers,
Eugene (Diane) Johnson of Murietta, Calif., and Wallace Johnson of Eau Claire; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held July 23, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Park Falls. The Rev. Elizabeth F. Hazel officiated.
Burial followed at Nola Cemetery, Park Falls, with military honors under the auspices of the Park Falls American Legion and VFW Posts.
The Novitzke Funeral Home, Park Falls, assisted the family.
