Rodney “Rod” Edwin Johnson
Rodney “Rod” Edwin Johnson, 88, Chippewa Falls, and formerly of Cornell, passed away Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023.
Rod was the last child born out of six, to Harry and Hattie Johnson, April 23, 1935.
He graduated from high school, and had a varied and interesting resume. After high school, he attended UW-Stevens Point for a few years, then enlisted in the U.S. Army, with the rank of Specialist 5 Johnson. He was fortunate to enjoy time in Germany, while in the military.
Upon returning, he worked for a while and attended broadcasting school in Milwaukee. He then made his way to Colorado, and accepted a position as a disc jockey – something right up his alley. Finally, he received a call from his brother and best friend, Eldon, to join him in partnership in a tavern, which would become “Elrod’s” in Cornell.
When he moved back home, he started dating one of the lovely Mittermeyer ladies, Sue Mittermeyer Bohaty. She recently lost her husband and had three small children. They fell in love, became married, built a home and he had an instant family.
He realized owning a tavern business wasn’t the proper thing for a family man and was fortunate enough to be offered a position at Northwestern Bank, where he worked until his retirement. Rod and Sue enjoyed many years of great friends, fun travels and beautiful family get-togethers.
Family was important to Rod and the Mittermeyer family was the perfect fit. He blended in beautifully with his fabulous tenor, wit and storytelling. They also loved going out to eat on “the river road” with the wonderful restaurants and camaraderie.
He was a multi-talented guy, who enjoyed acting and singing as part of the Stacker City Players, was with the Cornell Lions Club for 28 years (24 as an officer), the Salvation Army, was involved in the Industrial Development Corp. and the Greater Cornell Area Economic Development Corp., and was the president of the cemetery association.
Rod was passionate about golf, spending time up in Duluth/ Superior port, watching the freighters roll in, especially in the autumn, and going to the Oshkosh Air Show, with his brother Eldon. Enjoying a brisk, routine walk around lovely Brunet Island, was also high on his list.
He is survived by his children – Paula (Steve) Jandrt, Jon (Tamara) Bohaty and Dan Bohaty; many loving grandchildren – Briana, Michael, Susan, Jonathan, Erinn, Luke, Steven, Rebecca, Laura, J.D., Clint and Brock; and many greatgrandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife – Sue Johnson; his parents – Harry and Hattie Johnson; his siblings – Alvida Reich, Melva Tielke, Lorraine Moe, Eldon Johnson and a baby sibling; and grandsons – Jacob Jandrt and Isaac Bohaty.
He missed them all dearly!
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 11, at Borton-Leiser Funeral Home in Cornell, with Father Eric Linzmaier officiating. Interment will be in the Cornell Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Cornell American Legion.
Visitation will be held from 9 a.m., until the time of service, Friday morning, at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.bortonleiserfuneralhome. com.
