Obituary for Gayle “Susie” Johnson

She was born September 13, 1956 to Irvin and Joyce (Gilbertson) Romskog in La Crosse. She grew up on the family farm in rural Holmen. She attended Maple Shade Schoolhouse before graduating from Holmen High School, class of 1974. After graduation, she attended WTC. Susie married Steven D. Johnson on May 24, 1975 and celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary this year. Together they raised 4 children.

She was a lifelong member of Halfway Creek Lutheran Church in Holmen. She made her presence felt in many areas of the church’s community from being church secretary to teaching Sunday School for 50 years. She was involved in the Ladies Aid, Lutefisk suppers, and was always willing to bring a cake when needed. Susie was also a leader of the Maple Shade 4-H Club.

She retired from Wal-Mart after 30 years working in the Fabric and Crafts Department. She would also lend her seamstress skills to the family-owned K&G Costumes. Susie enjoyed sewing, crafting, cooking, and baking. She was an avid cake baker and her “Susie cakes” were always in high demand. She also enjoyed fishing, looking forward to the annual family vacation Up North. Her love of family was evident as she treated her nieces and nephews as if they were her own. Susie had the kindest heart and was always willing to give others a helping hand. She was creative and gave the best hugs. Everyone who ever talked with her always came away feeling better about themselves. Her love, light, and smile will be greatly missed.

Susie is survived by her husband, Steve Johnson; four children, Darrel (Geneva) Johnson of Onalaska, Sally Johnson of Holmen, Benny (Toni) Johnson of Mindoro, and Josh Johnson of Holmen; 3 grandchildren, Kate Lynn, Jesse, and Jordan; three great-grandchildren, Ava, Miles, and Theo; sister, Donna Anderson-Romskog; brothers-in-law, Brian (Bev) Johnson and Dave (Amy) Johnson; and many nieces and nephews, aunts, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Irvin and Joyce Romskog; in-laws, Doug and Marianne Johnson; brother, Paulie Romskog; and brother-in-law, Todd Johnson.

The family would like to thank her medical team at Mayo and the wonderful staff at Agrace Hospice-especially Liz. Additionally, a huge thank you to Kelly and Donna for all the loving care over the last few months.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Halfway Creek Lutheran Church in Holmen. Minister Patti Happel will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m., until the time of service, Wednesday, at the church.

A visitation will also be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 7, at Halfway Creek Lutheran Church in Holmen.

If you wish to honor Susie’s memory with a memorial contribution, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be directed to the Halfway Creek Lutheran Church Sunday School Program, a ministry that held a special place in Susie’s heart.

Online condolences may be offered to Susie’s family at this site.