Ernest Johnson

September 13, 1937 - September 02, 2025

Obituary

Madison - Ernest G. Johnson, passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the age of 87. He was born on September 13, 1937, to Ernest Johnson and Viola (West) Johnson. He lived a life full of love and compassion. Mr. Johnson will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Ernest attended Sherman School and graduated from East High School in Madison. He joined the United States Army after school and was stationed in Alaska. He married the love of his life, Shirley Dushack, on June 16, 1960. He worked at Madison Concrete and Pipe for many years. Ernest loved the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. He was also an avid Packers, Brewers and Badgers fan.

Ernest is survived by his sons, Ernest and Mark (Lynn) Johnson; sister, Betty (Joe) Gervasi; sisters-in-law, Jo Ann Manner Dushack, Ruthann Frank, Linda Gladem and Donna (Dan) Wells; brothers-in-law, Richard (Dorothy) Dushack and James Dushack; and other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Johnson; parents, Ernest and Viola Johnson; daughter-in-law, Mary Johnson; sisters, Marge (Ed) Skolaski, Beverly (Chuck) Porter, Dianne (Jerry) McIntyre and Lynda Hollis; brother-in-law, Darrell Hollis; mother and father-in-law, Glen and Edith (Smyth) Dushack; brothers and sisters-in-law, Gary (Janet) Dushack, Dennis (Linda and Agnes) Dushack, Monsignor Douglas Dushack, David Dushack, Judy (Russell) Volkmann, Brenda Dushack, Orville Frank and David Gladem.

A Visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 6:00pm on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N Sherman Ave, Madison. Entombment will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Ernest’s memory will be cherished by his loving family and friends, who will forever hold him in their hearts. To view this obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Service
2418 N Sherman Ave
608-249-8257

Events

Visitation

Thu Sep 11, 2025 @ 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CDT

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Ernest

Annette Massie

Family • 7 months ago

We are saddened to hear of your loss. Sending love and prayers. Raymonde Langman, Catherine Carlin, Francis Langman and Annette Massie

Christy Russell

Family • 7 months ago

I will always remember Uncle Sonny as being sweet just like his mother!!!! I was very close to Shirley when I was younger and Sonny was always nice to me! I am happy he is reunited with his wife and family and most of all with Jesus!!!!!!

Nancy Bruns

Family • 8 months ago

Ernest was always called Sonny while he was growing up. He was my Uncle Sonny all of my life. I remember him as being a fun uncle, tossing me in the air and catching me every time! I slightly remember when he went into the service. Grandma was always writing him letters as he wrote her often too. Shirley and him surprised us all when they went and were married shortly after he came home from the army. Over the years we all lived on the North side of Madison. I loved to stop in to visit with Shirley and him. Uncle Sonny was always happy to see me and Shirley was like my 2nd mom! I'm going to miss him but I know he is in peace and not pain. He is reunited with all of our loved ones! God bless you Uncle Sonny