Paul Johnson, age 76, of Colby, passed from this life into eternal life after a courageous 3+ year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Paul was born in Lacrosse, WI on March 18, 1944, to Ronald and Edna Johnson. Paul married his college sweetheart, Julie Ann Borg on Feb. 20, 1965, in Forest City, IA. Paul and Julie celebrated 55 years of marriage.
Paul graduated from the University of Lacrosse and received his Masters in Administration from the University of MN-Winona. Paul taught phy-ed, swimming, and health at Colby High School and later became an elementary principal at Colby, Dorchester, and Unity. Paul coached football, track, swimming, cross county, and was the Athletic Director. Paul was a WIAA official for track and cross county for 40+ years. Paul started the cross country team in 1971, as well as the Cheese Days Run.
Paul was an avid bicyclist; he rode RAGBRAI for 14 years. He enjoyed shooting in leagues, hunting, fishing, and canoeing. After retirement from education, Paul drove a truck for FAB. Paul was a member of Colby Lions Club, and an active member of First Baptist Church, where he held many office positions. Paul received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.
Paul is survived by his wife: Julie of Colby; two children: Brian (Kim) of Centerville, MN and Brenda (Tre) Rodriguez of San Antonio, TX; four grandchildren: Alexa of Minneapolis, MN, Marshall (Veronika) of Minneapolis, MN, Sloan of St. Louis Park, MN and Jack of San Antonio, TX; one brother: Dan; and two sisters: Delpha (Bill) Hanson and Joy (Dennis) Blaser.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 12, 2020, at the First Baptist Church in Medford. A Memorial Service will follow at 3:00 p.m. Family and friends can watch the service live on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website. We encourage those in attendance to abide by the Covid-19 guidelines by sanitizing, wearing a mask (if able), and social distancing. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Colby is entrusted with the arrangements.
Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com
