Melvin “Junior” Johnson, 76, of Soldiers Grove, WI, formerly of Gays Mills, WI, passed away peacefully, Saturday, January 24, 2026.  He was born in Clayton Township, Soldiers Grove, on July 31, 1949 the son of Melvin and Doris (Cooley) Johnson. 

Melvin, known as Junior to all, grew up in Montgomeryville, the youngest of nine siblings. The family lived off the land back then, and he learned at an early age to fend for himself. He was premature at birth and even though small in stature had a giant heart for his family, friends, community and church.

A Celebration of Melvin’s Life will be at the Community of Christ Church, Soldiers Grove, at a future date, which will be announced.  In lieu of plants, flowers and other gifts, memorials to assist with final expenses are preferred and may be directed to Tanya Peterson at P.O. Box 248, Viroqua, WI 54665.

Popp Funeral and Cremation Services in Viroqua is providing care and assistance to her family.