February 16, 1941 – September 21, 2025
Edward “Ed” (Roadside) Richard Johnson, 84, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Kenosha Place.
He was born on February 16, 1941, in Ontonagon, Michigan, to the late Carl and Verna (Sorvare) Johnson of Bruce Crossing, Michigan.
Ed received his nickname “Roadside” when he would hitchhike with truckers to different towns.
Ed was educated in Ewen, MI, and graduated in 1958. He went to Detroit to go to college, but dropped out because he hated that “damn English.” Ed came to Kenosha with some friends seeking work in 1958. He started working at American Motors at the age of 18 as a sweeper, retiring in 1988 in Traffic Management. After Ed retired from American Motors, he went to work at Koos. He then found a job at Pick’n Save as a checker/bagger for 17 years. He enjoyed seeing so many people he knew. He only retired after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 80.
Ed married the love of his life, Joyce Zapp, on July 28th, 1962, at St. George Catholic Church. They were married for 63 years.
To this marriage, 5 children were born: James (Angela Daniels) Johnson, Sheri (Ed Jensen) Green, Alan (Sue) Johnson, Darin Johnson, and Sue (Dan Pfeuffer) Palmen. Ed has 9 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Ed taught Little League and Boy Scouts for years. Ed loved bowling and got his first 300 at the age of 70 at Surfside Bowl. Ed also loved his Detroit Lions. He would always give his wife a hard time if the Lions beat the Packers (His wife’s favorite team). He was also the big photographer in the family. We now have many photos without Ed because he was taking most of the pictures. Ed was a God fearing man who deeply loved his family. Ed was a past member of St. Peter’s, but recently at St. Elizabeth.
Ed is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Howard Johnson, his brother Norman Johnson, and his grandchildren Jeremy Johnson and Alexander Johnson.
A Mass of Christian Services for Ed will be held on Monday, September 29th, at 4:00 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church (714-49th Street, Kenosha). Visitation will be held on Monday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of Mass at the church.
