Lonald "Lonnie" Allen Johnson

     Lonald “Lonnie” Allen Johnson was born on October 25, 1948, to parents Tom and Verl Johnson, and brothers Leroy and Ivan, on Washington Island, WI. 

     He was a third-generation Icelander who enjoyed baseball at a young age. At the age of 13, the Islanders baseball team was eager to have lefty Lonnie join the team, where he excelled in pitching, batting and outfielding for 28 years. He was inducted into the Door County Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998. His continued presence was well known along the 1st base sideline. 

     Lon served as a Sergeant in the US Army from 1968-1970, in the 25th Infantry Division in CuChi, Vietnam, for which he was awarded the Bronze Star, among other awards. He felt honored to be a member of the American Legion Post 402 and Vietnam Veterans, and an advocate to fellow veterans for VA benefits. He went on the Old Honor Glory Flight in 2022.

     Lon met a newly hired Island teacher, Carolyn Heidel, from Broadus, Montana, marrying in 1978. Green Bay became their new home, where they raised their three beautiful daughters, Alison, Heather, and Kayla. They joined Union Congregational Church where he enjoyed playing on the softball team and cooking for the youth group. Life’s journey took another turn, when their oldest daughter Alison was diagnosed with cancer in 1982, sadly passing away in 1986. He continued to be active with the Families of Children with Cancer, including playing Santa at the Christmas party. Lon made many connections during his 25+ years working at Cub Foods. He was an avid Packer fan and enjoyed fishing, golfing, and taking road trips. He also enjoyed countless musical performances by his wife and daughters. He was proud of his own musical ability playing the “git-fiddle.”  Lon, “Mayor of Jensenville,” enjoyed his Washington Island home he remodeled. He always enjoyed lending a hand at the Washington Island Campground.

     After a life of service to family, friends, and country, Lon passed away at the age of 75 due to postoperative complications on March 16, 2024, at UW Hospital in Madison, WI. Saying goodbye to this devoted father and cherished friend to many has been difficult. His smile, jovial nature, and willingness to help others will carry on in our memories and hearts forever.

     He leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Carolyn Heidel Johnson; his daughters, Heather (Craig) Gunnlaugsson of DePere and Kayla (Michael) Stults of Washington Island; brother Ivan (Micki) Johnson of Washington Island; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

     He was preceded in death by daughter, Alison; parents, Tom and Verl; and brother, Leroy.

     There will be two services to honor Lonnie’s life. A memorial service will be held on April 6 at 12 noon at Bethel Evangelical Free Church, Washington Island, with Pastor Rick Smith officiating. Visitation begins at 10 am. Attendees are encouraged to wear Islanders or DCL baseball apparel.

   A second memorial service will be held on April 20 at 1 pm in Green Bay at Union Congregational Church (716 S. Madison St.) with Rev. Bridget Flad-Daniels officiating. Visitation will begin at 11 am.

     Military rites will be conducted graveside by the Washington Island American Legion Post 402 at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lonnie Johnson Island Baseball Memorial Fund.

     Expressions of sympathy and memories of Lonnie may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.caspersonfuneralhome.com.

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