Obituaries

Charles (Chuck) Leroy Johnston, 88 passed away on December 9, 2024 with his loving wife of 49 years, Janice by his side. Chuck was born in Madison on January 3, 1936 to Harold and Dorothy (Allen) Johnston. He married the love of his life and best friend Janice Sarbacker on August 9, 1975. He grew up on the east side of Madison attending Emerson Elementary and graduated from Madison East High School in 1954.

Chuck spent his professional career in the financial industry working at various lending institutions throughout the Madison area and served 6 ½ years in the Wisconsin Air National Guard. He was a proud member of the Church of Christ on Mandrake Road for over 50 years. Chuck spent countless hours attending church retreats at Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp (WCYC) in Black River Falls and could always be found sneaking off and wetting a line in Robinson Creek. He was an avid bowler and was inducted into the Madison Bowling Hall of Fame in 1993. Chuck and Janice travelled annually to the USBC tournaments all around the country for 50 years. He was one of very few that accomplished attending 50 straight tournaments and was honored for the accomplishment at the 2018 tournament in Niagara Falls. He was also an avid fisherman and went out in style with his last musky being the largest he ever caught measuring 52”. Chuck spent many summer days with family and friends at his beloved cabin on Squirrel Lake in Minocqua. As a child, Chuck would fall in love with the area while visiting the area with his family. They began visiting Papoose Lake in the 1940’s and later Kingfisher Resort on Squirrel Lake when the family decided to purchase their cabin on Squirrel Lake which still stands today, 3 generations later.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 49 years, Janice and special great nieces Abby (Sam) Sarbacker & Millie Holtzapple, special great nephews Esaiah (Ajarae) Holtzapple & Max Sarbacker. He is further survived by special nephew Joel (Jenny) Sarbacker, special niece Nicole Brown, Brother in law Dave (Nancy) Sarbacker, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents Harold & Dorothy, Father in law, Lloyd Sarbacker and Mother in law Barbara (Bouzek) Sarbacker Julseth, Brothers in law Lloyd Sarbacker, Donald Sarbacker & Richard Sarbacker. Per Chuck’s wishes private services will be held for family.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude for the loving care that St. Croix Hospice provided Chuck. In leu of flowers, please kindly take the opportunity to donate to St. Croix Hospice so they can continue the wonderful, gracious care they provide to Hospice patients and their families.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: wwwryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257