Obituary for Allan James “Al” Johnson

Allan was raised in the La Crosse area, spent a short time living in Milwaukee, and ultimately returned to West Salem, which he proudly called home. He graduated from West Salem High School in 1960.

In 1961, Allan married Karla Hemker, and together they had one son. The marriage later ended in divorce. In 1968, Allan married Cristi Wilkins; they had one daughter.

Allan proudly served his country in the United States Army, entering active duty from 1960 to 1963 and continuing in the Army Reserves until 1969. He completed boot camp in Colorado alongside his cousin, Philip Jostad. He served in Germany as a mechanic and rescue driver—roles that reflected his steady hands, mechanical skill, and quiet dependability. In September 2023, Allan was deeply honored to participate in a Freedom Honor Flight, a meaningful experience that recognized his service and sacrifice and was a moment he and his family treasured.

Following his military service, Allan worked at Metallics until a chance conversation with a delivery driver sparked a lifelong career in trucking. He went on to work for Plumbing Supply and later became an owner-operator. Truck driving took him all across the country, though he most frequently hauled John Deere equipment from Moline, Illinois, to locations throughout Canada for Warren Transport. After deciding life on the road had run its course, Allan transitioned into sales with Kenworth in La Crosse, then drove truck for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company. An injury led to early retirement, but he remained active for many years afterward by driving to auctions for Brennegen Chevrolet.

Above all else, Allan dedicated countless hours to serving his community through the West Salem American Legion Post 51. A lifelong Legionnaire, he served as Post Commander in 1989 and held nearly every other position imaginable, serving on numerous committees and supporting Legionnaires, the Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion. He was also life long member and Commander of VFW Post 1530 in 1972 and served as Commissary Intendant for the 40 et 8 from 2012 to 2022. His proudest achievement was being recognized as a 50-year member of the American Legion in 2025. Known as a quiet leader and mentor, Allan could often be found taking money and orders on food nights, grilling burgers at baseball and softball games, and offering steady support wherever help was needed. He was once described as “a great pillar of support and volunteerism,” a sentiment shared by many.

In his free time, Allan enjoyed deer hunting, fishing on Lake Michigan, in Canada, and along local trout streams. He was a devoted fan of NASCAR, the Green Bay Packers, and the Wisconsin Badgers. He loved spending quiet hours putting puzzles together and spoiling those he loved with his legendary chocolate chip cookies.

Allan is survived by his wife of 57 years, Cristi Johnson; his son, Scott Johnson; his daughter, Laurie (Jon) Zabel; and his cherished granddaughters, Danyana Johnson, Erica (Cody) Cudo, and Kayla (Devin Sutton) Zabel. He is also survived by his nieces, the Kastenschmidt girls; cousins, including the Johnson girls and Philip Jostad; his American Legion and 40 et 8 families; and many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Gladys Johnson; his in-laws, Duke and Jean Wilkins; his sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn & Lester Kastenschmidt; and his sister-in-law, Valerie Wilkins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the West Salem American Legion Post 51, 148 Leonard Street, West Salem, Wisconsin. Military honors will be rendered at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Salem American Legion Post 51 in Al’s honor.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Agrace Hospice team—especially Matt, RN, and Lesa, Aide—his caring neighbors, his American Legion family, the Kastenschmidt girls for the cherished ‘picnic lunch’, the breakfast groups for bringing meals when he could no longer get out, and Dani for the countless hours spent caring for Papa and teaching us how best to support him. All of you helped create the village that made dad’s life richer, more comfortable, and filled with love.

Online condolences may be offered to Allan's family at this site.