Walter “Buzz” Johnson, age 78, of Rhinelander, died January 3, 2016, at his home. He was born in Clark County August 11, 1937to Walter and Beulah (Salzwedel) Johnson. His family moved to the Rhinelander area when Buzz was a child and he attended schools here. After his schooling he went to work for Cleary’s Dairy, then Rhinelander Paper Company, Daniels Packaging and finally for Starks Farms. Of all his jobs he really enjoyed working at the farms. Any spare time Buzz had he used to hunt and fish. Buzz married Jeffie Luttrell on August 31, 1978 and they enjoyed over 37 years of marriage.

He is survived by his wife Jeffie; three daughters, Melissa Brown of Columbus, Ohio, Kim (Kenneth) Vendetti of Dacoma, Okla. and Tammy Brown of Columbus, Ohio; five sons, Bill (Penny) Pierce of Oregon, Jeff Pierce of Rockspring, Wyo., Roy Pierce of Mesa, Ariz., Danny (Laurel) Pierce of Poplar Bluff, Missouri and Shane(Suhna) Pierce of Woodside, NY;  grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Patsy Russell; brothers, Tim (Barbara) Johnson, Gary (Marcia) Johnson and Terry Johnson, all of Rhinelander;  nieces, nephews, other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Shelly Johnson and his son Roger Pierce.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 6 at 1 p.m. at the Forest Home Cemetery with the Reverend Rod Ankrom officiating. Interment will be in the Forest Home Cemetery. You may leave your private condolences for the Johnson family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is handling the arrangements for the Johnson family