PORTAGE - Russell H. Johnson, 90, of Portage, died Monday, Dec. 1, 2008, at Meriter Hospital in Madison.

Russell was born Dec. 27, 1917, in Lewiston Township, the son of Carl and Mary Lueck Johnson. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, having served during World War II in the Pacific Theatre for four years. Russ was married to Edith K. Jerrison on Nov. 1, 1941, in Portage. He worked for the University of Wisconsin Physical Department, retiring in 1981. Russ was a life member of the Cleary-Krech VFW Post No. 1707, Portage.

He is survived by his wife, Edith; his grandson, Christopher Johnson of Cottage Grove; his great-grandson, Jacob Johnson; his sister, Frances Collins and her family, Portage; his brother-in-law, Russell (Pat) Jerrison, Lincoln, Neb.; his sister-in-law, Vera Koepp, Richland, Wash.; nieces, nephews and other dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Dwayne; and four brothers, Harold, Chester, Wilbur and Dallas Johnson.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, with the Rev. Dick Inglett officiating. Private inurnment will be in Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Friday at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage.