Gary D. Johnson, age 84 of Wausau, died peacefully under hospice care Thursday November 21. Gary was born and raised in Ashland, Wisconsin where he married his wife Barbara Jeanne in 1962 who survives.

Gary earned a teaching degree from Northland College followed by a master's degree in physical education. He and Barbara moved to Wausau in 1968. Gary taught elementary Phy. Ed at several Wausau area schools for 30 years. During these years he was also active teaching marching and manoeuvrings and creating the drills for the Pages Drum and Bugle corps.

In his spare time Gary refereed basketball and volleyball. He participated in the chain gang at Wausau East football games. He received Wausau District Teacher of the Year Honors in 1987. Gary built two large model train sets one in Wausau and one in Arizona.

In retirement he and Barbara spent winters in Case Grande, AZ. where they enjoyed yearly visits to Las Vegas and spending holidays with family. They also took several trips to landmarks around the U.S., where he particularly enjoyed a vacation to Hawaii and made two trips to Australia to visit family.

In addition to his wife Barbara, he is survived by their children Terri, (James), Tim, (Jenny), Todd, Troy, (Curtis). Grandchildren Emma, (Nate), Ben, Noah and Kate, a great granddaughter Dorothy, his sister Janice and many in laws, nieces and nephews. He will also be remembered by relatives in Australia and Arizona.

Visitation will be held at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home, 948 Grand Ave, Schofield, on Saturday December 7, 2024, from 2-4pm. Words of Remembrance will be shared at 3:30 pm.

Family and friends may go to www.honorone.com to share memories or words of condolences.