Dave J. "Beaver" "D.J." Johnson

Dave Johnson, age 57, of Appleton, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at Appleton Medical Center with his wife and daughters at his side. He was born on January 18, 1958 in Manitowoc, to James and Lillian (Brotski) Johnson. Dave graduated from Lincoln High School in Manitowoc in 1976. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1976 until 1981. On October 26, 1985, Dave married the love of his life Cynthia Pflum at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Appleton. Dave worked at Gradfelter Neenah Mill until he suffered injuries in a car accident on October 12, 1998 in Manitowoc. He was a huge Packer fan, enjoyed fishing, and traveling in the car. Dave was the life of the party, he loved surrounding himself with family and friends. Beaver was a fighter on the inside and out, and we will all miss him, and his sense of humor.

Dave is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Cindy Johnson; precious daughters: Rachel and Hannah Johnson; mother and step-father Lillian (Vernon) Lawerentz; sister Diane (Paul) Risch; step-sisters: Maryann (Joe) Yarborough and Kathy (Bruce) Brefczynski; nieces and nephew: Nicole (Patrick) Sullivan, Jeff (Nicole) Risch, and Cassie Risch. He was preceded in death by his father James Johnson, sisters: Barbara (Curtis) Bornemann and Sharon Johnson; step-sister Sherry Karnes, and step-brother Michael Lawerentz.

The funeral liturgy for Dave will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at ST. BERNADETTE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2331 East Lourdes Drive in Appleton. Fr. Donald Zuleger will be officiating. Interment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Appleton. The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday at the church from 10:00 am until the time of mass. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established. Online condolences can be offered at www.wichmannfargo.com.

He is a hero, inspiration, and role model to his wife and girls.