CASHTON - Lester “Slim” Johnson, 90, of Cashton, WI, passed away peacefully at home in the loving arms of his family, Monday, March 23, 2020. Slim was born February 19, 1930, to Nordahl and Mildred (Dunnum) Johnson, on the home farm in the township of Newry, WI. On June 6, 1959, he married Mildred “Milly” Scheck, at the North Coon Prairie Church in Newry.
Slim was a hardworking farmer his whole life. In 1966 he bought his first registered Belgian Draft Horses. This started the tradition of showing horses with his son and daughter and later the grandchildren too. Starting in 1985, Slim was invited to bring a team of horses to the Great Circus Parade in Milwaukee. It was by invitation only and he proudly participated for many years. It took his whole family to make this happen and they all have many fond memories of being in this 2 hour parade route.
Slim never said no to anyone who wanted to adore his horses, take a ride or be in a parade. He and his team were in every local parade whenever they were asked. He has special memories of taking many brides and grooms and family members for rides on special occasions. In 1979, for the annual Cashton Fall Fest Parade, Slim and his family started hosting the draft horses at their farm and have continued to do this ever since. The pot lucks that followed most of these events was part of the fun that Slim enjoyed. The family spent many years participating in shows all over the state of Wisconsin where they made many friends and had a ton of fun.
He was a faithful, lifelong member of North Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. He was baptized, confirmed, married and will now be buried here. Slim was always a family man first; being with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren on the farm or at a gathering was where Slim was happiest. His family meant the world to him and he will be missed dearly.
One of his last good days was a few weeks ago when his grandson brought his new stud colt to meet Slim. They brought the horse right inside the house where Slim could see and feel this beauty. Slim grinned from ear to ear for days after this.
Slim is survived by two children, Chuck (Kathy) Johnson and Tammy (Harry) Hanson all of Cashton, WI; four grandchildren, Sara (Dean Schulte) Waughtal of Mauston, WI, and their children, Hannah, Hailey, Makenzie and Caleb; Kyle Hanson of Cashton; Christopher (Kimberly) Hanson of LaFarge, WI, and their children, Dominic, Katelin, and Zachary; and Darci (Anthony) Sikora of Cadott, WI, and their children, Vanessa, Jordan, Sophia, and Presley; sisters-in-law, Shirley (Fred) Johnson of Viola, WI; Sharron Johnson of Holmen, WI; along with other relatives and many dear friends.
Slim was preceded in death by his wife, Milly in 2015; his parents; a sister, Myrtle Dahlen; and a brother, Norris Johnson.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, September 17, 2021, 12:00 p.m. at the North Coon Prairie Lutheran Church, Newry, WI. Pastor Dave Sorenson will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton is assisting the family with arrangements.
Torkelson Funeral Home
