Jerry F. Johnson, age 59 of Darlington, passed away Monday, June 19, 2017 at UW-Hospital in Madison. He was born Oct. 10, 1957 in Darlington, the son of Harvey and Ellen (Crowley) Johnson. Jerry graduated from Darlington High School in 1975 and later received his certificate in auto body repair from Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in Fennimore. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Kathy J. “Bud” Raisbeck on Aug. 15, 1981 in Shullsburg. Jerry grew up in Darlington. He worked in auto collision repair at Alphorn Ford for over 20 years before opening Jerry’s Automotive just south of Darlington in 2001. In 2014, Jerry moved his business to the industrial park in Darlington where his son Travis will carry on his dreams and passions for auto collision repair.
Jerry is survived by his wife Kathy “Bud” Johnson at home; his mother: Ellen Johnson of Darlington; two children: Mandy (Curt Eck) Johnson and Travis (Katy Thompson) Johnson both of Darlington; two grandchildren: Pierce and Chayce; and one sister: Debbie (John) Slack of Stoughton and lots of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Harvey in 1998.
Jerry cherished the time he spent with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren who he spoiled rotten. He was a well-liked, easygoing guy who loved to share stories. He enjoyed spending time outdoors camping, hunting, fishing, and attending car shows. Jerry had a passion for antique cars, so in 2016 he and his family established the “Cruisin’ For a Cure Car Show” that takes place annually at the Lafayette County Fairgrounds in Darlington. This year’s show will take place on Saturday, June 24.
A funeral service will be held Friday, June 23, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Darlington United Methodist Church (546 Park Place, Darlington) with Rev. Angela Utter officiating. Burial will be in Gratiot M.E. Cemetery.  A visitation will be held Thursday, June 22, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Erickson Funeral Home (508 Main Street, Darlington) and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Jerry’s name.