Obituary of Gary Wendell Johnson

Dr. Gary Wendell Johnson, age 60, Town of Grant, passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at his residence surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with cancer.

Gary was born July 15, 1958 in Mankato, Minnesota to Raymond and Elaine (Knott) Johnson. He graduated from Mankato East High School and attended college at Bethel in St. Paul, Minnesota and then at Mankato State University in Mankato, Minnesota, where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree. He obtained his Trainer Licenses and raced Thoroughbred horses in Shakopee, Minnesota and Phoenix, Arizona. During that time, he decided to devote his life to caring for horses and was accepted into the Veterinary Medicine Program at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree in 1994. Gary married MaryJo Anderson in 1978 and they enjoyed 40 years together.

Gary was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association, North American Deer Farmers Association, Whitetails of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association where he served on the Board of Directors. He was Past President of the Minnesota Palomino Horse Exhibitors and a member of the Palomino Horse Breeders of America.

Gary is survived by his loving wife MaryJo and son, Brandon; his mom, Elaine Johnson; parents-in-law: Dale and Muriel Anderson; and soon to be daughter-in-law, Hannah Strub and her family. He is preceded in death by his father, Raymond Johnson and his grandparents. Gary’s family would like to thank the doctors and medical staff at UW Madison Hospital and staff at Heartland Hospice for their care and support during Gary’s battle with cancer. MaryJo would like to thank her coworkers at Inclusa and many close friends for all their support.

A memorial service for Gary will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Steve Hulke will officiate. A celebration of Gary’s life will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home, Wisconsin Rapids, is honored to be assisting the Johnson family. For online condolences, please visit www.taylorfuneralhome.net.