Stephen R. Johnson

May 23, 1956 – July 15, 2025

Port Washington WI

Steve was born on May 23, 1956 in Des Moines, Iowa to Robert (Bob) and Karen [Scott] Johnson. He passed away on July 15, 2025 with family by his side at hospice in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin.

Steve grew up in Nevada, Iowa and graduated with the class of 1974. After high school he joined the US Navy (Seabees). He was homeported in Port Hueneme, California and had 6 month tours of duty in Puerto Rico, Midway Island, Diego Garcia, and Okinawa. He always had an interest in welding and perfected this trade while in the Navy.

His time in the Seabees led to a successful career in welding and metal fabrication. He started as a production welder while at Barber's Metal Fabricating in Ames, Iowa and ended his career leading a department of welders/production workers at Kapco Inc. in Grafton, Wisconsin. He always enjoyed sharing his knowledge and talents with all who were interested.

On June 7, 1975, he married the love of his life Diane Wilhelm. The birth of his two daughters, Alicia Marie in February of 1982 and Whitney Frances in June of 1986 brought such joy to his life.

Throughout the years Steve's interests included attending Iowa State Football games with his Dad, watching Green Bay Packer games, brewing beer, traveling, and spending time with his grandsons. He had a love of projects, from gardening, canning, baking, all things yard work, and construction projects at their home.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents Robert (Bob) and Karen Johnson.

Steve is survived by his spouse of 50 years Diane Wilhelm-Johnson, his daughters Alicia Kuenzel (Chris), Whitney Lochbihler (Fred), his beloved grandsons Gaius and Ezra Kuenzel, his sister Terry Jenkins (Karen Oleski), his brothers Mike Jon (Anita) and Mike Dennis (Donna).

Toward the end of his life, Steve fought cancer. He took life as it came with little complaint, because as he often said, "it doesn't do any good to complain about it because no one wants to hear that." He would like to thank his cancer care team in Sheboygan, WI who took such good care of him through those years.

Steve requested there be no funeral services; however, he did want a Celebration of his Life which is planned for later this year.