Daniel Edward JohnsonDaniel Edward Johnson, age 80, beloved husband of Deborah Cooper Harding, ended his long journey on Alzheimer's Road early in the morning of July 23,2017. Dan died, as he had lived, peacefully and gracefully in his Greendale, WI home. He was surrounded that day by family, grandchildren, and close friends.Dan was born on November 1, 1936 to Mathias and Eva Johnson. He was 100% Swedish; his father having immigrated from Sweden in 1900. His heritage was important to Dan – as was his education. He graduated with honors from Merrill High School in 1954. He continued his career of academic excellence at the University of Wisconsin. In Madison, he received both his baccalaureate and master's degrees in English and Speech. While in college he was the announcer at the university's classical music station. His doctoral work was done at Marquette University in Milwaukee.He enjoyed a long and rich educational career – in teaching, in coaching debate, and in later years judging debate tournaments and forensic events. This was a fitting tribute to Dan, who as a high school senior won the WI State Speech Tournament. For over 20 years, he taught computer science at both Milwaukee Area Technical College, and Waukesha County Technical College where he was known for his incredible patience and gentle demeaner. His salient reminder of "Check Frequently and Save Often," became his catch phrase. Dan's rich and masterful voice was heard in many pulpits in the Milwaukee area, in countless schools, and university classrooms - in voice overs, and in public readings. He loved spending summers in Maine with his wife Deb, and especially loved being a part of the Advent Christian Campmeeting Association in Washington, Maine. Together they maintained a 130-year-old family cottage, and Dan followed in Deb's father's footsteps by closing the encampment each night in prayer and reading. His deep and expressive voice going over the camp's loudspeaker system assured every camper – young and old – that "breakfast would be served at 7:30," and that he would greet them "in the morning."Dan's love of flowers, his propensity for puns (even bad ones), his ability to poke fun at himself, his voracious reading habits, and his ardent following of the Golden Rule endeared him to everyone. He enjoyed antiquing, music, Scrabble, creating adventures in the kitchen, Garrison Keillor, and waiting on others. Until Alzheimer's robbed him of the ability, he read his dear wife to sleep each night. She often chided him that he read himself to sleep – the open volume falling on his chest. Dan will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving grandfather, a faithful friend, a stalwart member of the community, and a peaceful gentle man. His Christian faith was a faith in action as he continually cared for those in need. Generous in nature and humble in deed, Dan Johnson was a unique individual. Those who knew him were blessed. Dan was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Joan Patricia Johnson, his brother-in-law Michael Harris, and a grandson Woodrow Caraker Harding. Dan is survived by his wife Deborah Cooper Harding, six stepchildren – Jeff (Jane) Barger of West Bend, WI; Linda Hansen of Franklin, WI; Adam (Christy) Harding of Yorkville, IL; Matthew Harding; of Hinckley, IL; Allison (Chris) Peterson of Milwaukee, WI; Debra (Eric) Skogg of New Berlin, WI, 13 grandchildren: Anna, Amy, Matt, Callie, Taylor, Jessica, Exie, Kirk, Isabella, Cooper, Skylar, Kevin, and Lisa, and one great-grandson, Jaxon. He is also survived by loving friends and caregivers, Dave Hansen, and Lisa and Jon Garrison. Dan's constant companion during his last months was ZuZu his adoring Siberian cat who seldom left his side. A private family viewing was held at Hartson Funeral Home, and a Celebration of Dan's Life is being planned for the fall. Dan's family wishes to thank the Aurora at Home Hospice team for their incredible love and service.Memorials, in Dan's name, may be made to the Advent Christian Campmeeting Association, Pam Allen, Treasurer, 2 Deer Lane, Hallowell, ME 04347.The world is a better place for Dan Johnson's presence.