Heidi and Alex Johnson

Heidi and Alex died together as a result of an automobile accident on Wednesday, August 27, 2003. Heidi was born in Suffern, New York on March 8, 1971, the daughter of Jim and Dolly (Anderson) Manning. She was a 1989 graduate of Appleton West High School and in 1993 received a business degree from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, where she met her future husband, Chad Johnson. The couple married on July 24, 1993 in Appleton. Heidi had been employed in the retail sector at numerous companies, including Northern Reflections, Angelica Company, and Lazarus Department Stores. She put her career aside and gladly became a stay-at-home mom when Alex joined the family in 1997. Heidi’s family meant the world to her; she treasured her time at home with the kids. Being at home also allowed her to pursue her love of interior decorating. Each room in the family home carried her special touch. Heidi was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, a post-graduate social sorority, as well as a stay-at-home mom’s club in Madison. She enjoyed traveling and vacationing with her family. She is survived by her husband: Chad Johnson of Madison; her beloved daughter: Payton, at home; her parents: Jim and Dolly Manning of Appleton; three sisters: Rebecca (Scott) Rude of Brainerd, MN; Joanna Brooks of Appleton; Katrina (Chad) Riddle of Appleton; three nieces: Ivy Rude, McKinleigh Rude, and Amyah Brooks; a nephew: Ellis Brooks; maternal grandparents: Herbert and Edith Anderson, and her paternal grandparents John and Doris Manning. Heidi loved life – we will all miss the smile on her face and the twinkle in her eye.

Alex was born February 25, 1997 in Mansfield, Ohio, and was preparing to begin the first grade at John F. Kennedy elementary school in Madison. Alex loved swimming, and he swam like a fish! He also enjoyed fishing and going to the races with his dad. Alex dreamed of one day piloting an F-16 and singing with Garth Brooks. This past summer, he played T-Ball in Madison, and was remembered by all as the little guy who blew his grandma kisses from first base. Alex leaves behind his dad and sister: Chad and Payton Johnson of Madison; paternal grandparents: Hal and Mary Johnson of Madison; maternal grandparents Jim and Dolly Manning of Appleton; an uncle: Craig (Laura) Johnson of Appleton; paternal great-grandmother: Jean Johnson of Monroe; maternal great-grandmother: Virginia Ladron of Waterloo. He was preceded in death by his great-grandfathers Harold Johnson and George Ladron.

A service to celebrate the lives of Heidi and Alex will be held at 2:30 PM on Sunday, August 31, 2003 at MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 803 E. College Avenue in Appleton with Rev. Charles Valenti-Hein officiating. Friends may call directly at the church on Sunday from 1:00 PM until the hour of the service.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920-739-1231