Johnson, David Roy

David Roy Johnson, age 90, of Dodgeville, WI, passed from his life here on earth to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and be reunited with his wife Sandra and son, Don, and the many family and friends who'd gone before him to Heaven, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. David was surrounded by his children when he peacefully took his final breath at the Upland Hills Health Nursing and Rehab Center, where he'd resided for the past two years.

David was born on July 17, 1934, to Dwight and Helen (Duval) Johnson. He married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Stauffacher, on June 11, 1955, and together they had five children.

David grew up on the family farm when many farmers were still using teams of horses to do the field work. He learned to drive a team and later, a tractor, as a youngster. Farming was in his blood and remained his greatest passion throughout his life.

David was a hired hand during high school and for a few years following graduation.

Once his sweetheart graduated, they married and soon started farming on their first rental place at Red Rock. Their sons, Don and Bill were born while there. They then moved to another farm near Darlington where their daughters, Nancy and Jean were born. One more move to rent a farm near Belmont brought the completion of their family with the birth of their daughter, Kate.

The opportunity to purchase their own place north of Dodgeville came in 1966. The purchase of that farm became the foundation for the establishment of a legacy that would involve an additional farm and the creation of three seasonal businesses: Doby Stables, Governor Dodge Gift Shop, and the Museum of Minerals and Crystals. Their children, grandchildren, and many locals who would be employed there, participated in the development and growth of those businesses for several decades.

David's love for the Lord, nature, animals, and farming fueled his voracious appetite for learning, sharing what he'd learned, and teaching about what he'd learned to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. That spirit of passing along life wisdom and learned knowledge also extended to his employees and all the folks who crossed his path in life and at the Stables and Museum.

Dave was comfortable in conversation with anyone who would engage with him as he lived life with an open heart, the confidence of knowing who he was in Christ, and the desire to be of service to any and all in need.

David was a man with many talents and abilities. He was an oft requested soloist, accompanied by Sandra, at church, for special events and funerals. His mechanical, woodworking, farming, and animal behavior knowledge served him well throughout his life as he pursued a wide variety of avenues in farming and business.

Admiration for the life he lived is shared by his family, friends, neighbors, the broad community of people he served in life, and fellow Christians. He will be deeply missed.

David is survived by his brother-in-law Richard (Gwen) Stauffacher; sister-in-law, Sue Johnson; children: Bill Johnson, Nancy (Jim) Metcalf, Jean Johnson and Kathy (Erik) Miller; grandchildren: Aaron (Michelle), Brent, Cole, Jennie Mae, Sarah, Joshua, Marcus (Karen), Rachel (Aaron), Candice (Lee), Andrew (Nichelle), Rebecca (Jeron), Tony (Alyssa) and Grant (Danielle); 22 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Dave was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra; parents: Dwight and Helen Johnson; parents-in-law, Roy and Hannah Stauffacher; son, Don Johnson; grandson, Zachery Cross; sister, Ruth (Chester) Kamm; brothers, Dwaine (Bessie) Johnson and Richard Johnson; and sister-in-law, Barbara (Marvin) Strause.

A Celebration of David's Life will be held at Cedar Rock Church, 1200 Betty Lane in Mineral Point, on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastors Roger Johnson and Bruce Bennett officiating.  A visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, beginning at 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and again Thursday beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Private burial will commence at Eastside Cemetery in Dodgeville. The Lulloff-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home, Dodgeville is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.houckfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Standard Primitive Methodist Church are greatly appreciated.  

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Upland Hills Health Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their tender and compassionate care of David.

Lulloff-Peterson-Houck 

Funeral Home

Dodgeville    

608-935-3628

www.houckfuneralhomes.com