Lester 'Wayne' Johnson Obituary (1923

On the first day of summer, June 21, 2022, Lester "Wayne" Johnson passed away at the age of 98. He was born December 2, 1923, to Lester C. and Margaret Ruth Hilasbeck Johnson in Faulkton, South Dakota. Wayne grew up in Cresbard, South Dakota during the Depression with family & friends. He attended school, took piano lessons, had a paper route, was in band and enjoyed fun times with his cousins. In 1937 the family moved Ellensburg, where Wayne attended junior high and high school graduating in 1941. He worked all through school. After graduation he attended Central Washington College, until he enlisted in the army. He had basic training in California and learned to fly in Arizona. While training with an instructor he was told to bail out NOW, something was wrong with the plane. So, they bailed out, the plane crashed, their parachutes opened and Dad discovered he had a broken leg from the way he landed. After healing he was assigned to Ladd Field in Fairbanks, AK., to do cold weather test on planes and ferry planes to Nome for Russia during WWII. He flew to many different cities always being careful to go around Mt. McKinley. While attending college at Central, he met Winifred Harrel and they were married on August 2, 1946. Then it was off to the University of Washington. He passed the complete Certified Public Accounting exam before graduating. What an accomplishment. Wayne and Winifred had two daughters, Linda born in 1949 and Judy Jo in 1952. Daddy and Momma were married for 71 years and he took care of her until she passed in 2018. Family time was important, we camped, attended horse shows, picnics, family dinners or just staying home. Wayne had been employed in the same CPA firm for over 30 years. From Boyd Olofson & Company to now Grebb, Johnson, Reed & Wachsmith. During this time, he was active in the Junior Chamber of Commerce, treasurer of the Ellensburg Chamber of Commerce, served on the city council, served Rotary Board and was a member for many years. He was treasurer of the Western Art Association and instrumental in the planning of the Clymer Museum. He was a member of the Reserve Officers Association, The Legion, Masonic, and a Ham Radio Operator. Following retirement in 1992, he and momma bought a 5th wheel trailer and spent time traveling with the in-laws and went on many of the monthly camping trips with the local camping group. After all the traveling became too much, they sold the trailer and Wayne was able to play golf more a sport he loved. He also got a lot of exercise walking the lab puppy Linda had given him. You may have seen them around town. He so loved that dog (Dakota). Daddy and momma loved staying home and doing things and just being together. Daddy was a kind, loving, caring and respectful and was very well liked in the community. He was the best daddy two girls could have, and a devoted husband. Thank you, daddy, rest in peace. We love and miss you Rest in peace daddy, you worked so hard all your life. Thank you for everything you did for us. Love and miss you. Wayne is survived by his daughters; Linda Johnson and Judy Jo Roberts, sister Betty Eignman, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Winifred, parents, son-in-law, many loved family members and his beloved dog Dakota. We would like to send a heartfelt Thank you to Pam Schmidt for all her help, support, and encouragement, you are such a wonderful and caring friend. Also, a huge Thank to Prestige Post-Acute & Rehab for the great care and kindness shown to daddy. Graveside Services will be held Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at the IOOF Cemetery at 1:00 pm followed by a gathering at the Clymer Museum at 2:00 pm In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the donors favorite charity. Graveside Service I.O.O.F Cemetery Tuesday, July 19, 2022 1:00 PM 1900 Brick Rd. Ellensburg, WA 98926