Dennis R Johnson

Dennis R. Johnson, 77, of Sparta passed away at home, surrounded by loved ones, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. He was born in Sparta, on December 16, 1947 to Spencer and Margaret (Brown) Johnson. He was baptized and confirmed at Cataract United Methodist Church.

For grammar school, he went to Daneville; the same one-room country school that his father and grandfather attended. He graduated from Sparta High School in 1966.

Dennis worked for Northern Engraving for 12 years, in the offices in Sparta, West Salem, and Holmen. He also drove semi for 2 ½ years, mostly in the Midwest and East Coast. He worked for the City of Sparta for 24 years. Then, Carlisle (Sparta Brush) for 10 years. He also worked seasonally, for 15 years, at Habelman’s Cranberry Marsh during harvest.

Dennis married Irene (Anna) Van Kirk in 1966, and they had one child, Wendy. They later divorced, but remained good friends. He later married Kim Smith. Together, they raised his stepdaughter, Tina, and 3 sons, Damien, Alex, and Levi. They later divorced.

Dennis was involved in sports, playing football and wrestling in high school. He even made it to the state wrestling tournament in 1966. He played baseball for 14 years, and softball for 31 years. He also enjoyed golf and bowling. In addition to playing sports, he was a coach for youth wrestling, baseball, and soccer. He also served as a Cub Scout leader for a few years.

Dennis loved to dance, and spent many, many Saturday nights at the Cataract Moonlight Pavilion. He also enjoyed hunting (bow and gun) and fishing (winter and summer). He took many fishing trips to Northern Wisconsin and Canada.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bruce Johnson; and sister, Annette Rickert.

He is survived by his daughter, Wendy (Candis) Johnson; sons, Damien (Raiven), Alex, and Levi (Alissa) Johnson; step-daughter, Tina Allen; brother, Roger Johnson; and grandchildren, Kelsey (Mike) Kroner, Elizabeth, Karalei, Melodie, Maelory, Myles, Trevin, Eden, Maddox, and Esther; and best friend, Sheila Volden.

A Memorial service will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Reverend Randy Williamson officiating. The family would like to invite everyone to The Amber Inn, Sparta, immediately following the service.

A Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Monday, at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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