Obituary of William Thorn Johnston

WILLIAM T. "BILL" JOHNSTON age 74 of Jefferson passed away Sunday September 12, 2010 at Mercy Hospital in Janesville. He was born on March 2, 1936 in Milton Junction, Wisconsin, son of the late John and Bertha (Wenslaff) Johnston. He married Elinor M. Pranke on May 16, 1964 at St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jefferson; she preceded him in death on September 22, 2005. Bill began his career working as a mechanic for Dickhoff Chevrolet, in Milton Junction. He then served in the United States Army Corps from 1958-1960. When he returned from his military service he again worked at Dickhoff Chevrolet. He and Elinor moved to Jefferson and began serving the community on April 15, 1965 opening Bill's City Service and at the same location in 1978 continued as manager for Frawley Oil Inc. (CITGO). He retired as manager in 2005 but his love of people kept him currently working part time. Besides his love of light auto repair and service to his customers he enjoyed attending decades of auto races, caring for multiple gardens from his in-laws Aztalan farm to his home in Jefferson. He treasured traveling, from his military hops, to visiting relatives as far as Florida and California. Most recently this year's 2 week long vacations with his beloved granddaughters and just completing his 4th adventure for 20 days across all the British Isles visiting his father's clan in Scotland. He was a member of St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran church in Jefferson. He will be deeply missed by his children; Paul Johnston of Jefferson, Karen Johnston of Jefferson, Craig (Lynda) Johnston of Pembroke Pines, Florida. His granddaughters Anna and Hailey Johnston. Brothers; George (Berniece) Johnston of Milton, Howard (Christine) Johnston of Indianapolis IN. Sister-in-law; Diane Pranke of Jefferson, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday September 17, 2010 at the Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home in Jefferson with the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Comstock officiating, burial will follow in the Aztalan-Milford Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday at the funeral home from 4:00-8:00 p.m. and then again on Friday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Memorials may be directed to St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements Online condolences may be made at www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com