Gary L. Johnson

Gary Linn Johnson, age 80 of Omro, WI passed away on September 29, 2026. He was born on July 14, 1946, to Miles and Opal Johnson. He graduated with high honors from Fort Atkinson High School in 1964. Following graduation, Gary felt his draft number was coming up, so he decided to choose his own path and walked to the recruiter’s station to join the United States Marine Corps.

On January 24, 1968, Gary married the love of his life, Mary Lu Didlo. They had been pen pals and married just three weeks after meeting in person. They were the first couple their pastor had ever married, and throughout the years, they often talked about finding him and telling him, “It worked!”

Gary and Mary Lu shared 58 years of marriage, with their love and support for each other growing stronger with every passing year. Together, they raised two daughters, Tessi and Wanda (Mike Kern). His three grandchildren, Garrett (Allie), Larkin, and Morgan (fiancé Josh Pagel) Kern, were his pride and joy. He passed along his love of animals and passion for fishing to each of them.

Gary loved being home on his three country acres in Omro, surrounded by family and the animals he loved. But if the fish were biting, there was probably nowhere else he would rather be. He loved getting out on the water to “thrash the water” with his best friend and fishing partner, his son-in-law, Mike. At home, he was happiest playing games with his family.

He cared for his rescued barn cats with great love, making sure they were fed, cared for, and knew they had a safe place to call home. His puppy, Rascal, was never far from his side. Gary always said, “If I never went any further than the end of my driveway, that would be just fine with me.” Gary was available at the drop of a hat whenever his family needed him. His answer was always, “I am on my way.” A self-taught problem-solver, he could tackle any project, large or small.

A Marine through and through, Gary was tough, steady, and proud. He served his country honorably in Vietnam. His exposure to Agent Orange was later associated with his diagnosis of amyloidosis.

A legendary tough man to the very end, Gary spent his last great day of life on the water with Mike. After tripping over the boat trailer and breaking four ribs, he refused to let the trip end early. He fished for hours and even reeled in a 19-inch bass. Only when his fishing rod broke on a cast did he finally agree it was time to go to the hospital. Following a brief hospitalization, surrounded by his family holding his hands and sharing their fondest memories, Gary set off for an eternity of clear waters and endless fishing adventures.

His family will forever cherish the countless ways he quietly showed his love. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lu; his daughters and their families; his grandchildren; his sister, Vicky Rehak (John Lenzmeier); his puppy, Rascal; and the rescued barn cats he cared for with such great love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Miles and Opal (née Sass); his parents-in-law, John Harvey Didlo and Clara (née Wood); his brother, Terry; and his sister-in-law, Sue Nelson.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Ammar Alzoubi and his wonderful nurse, Jenny, whose care, compassion, and kindness meant more than words can express. They are also forever grateful to every doctor, nurse, and caregiver at Aurora who cared for Gary with dignity and warmth. A special thank-you to the best ICU nurse in the world, MK. Gary had truly hoped to take you and your daughter out on a fishing trip.

A Celebration of Life honoring Gary will be held Sunday, October 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in an open-house style gathering at Becket’s, 2 Jackson Street, Oshkosh.

To honor Gary’s memory, please consider nurturing a stray animal, feeding the birds, or offering a helping hand to someone who may be struggling. Those who wish to make a memorial donation may do so in Gary’s name to the Oshkosh Area Humane Society.