Walter Joseph Johnson

Walther J. Johnson May 29, 1923 – November 17, 2016 Walter Joseph Johnson, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at the age of 93. Walter was born in Portland, Oregon, the seventh of nine children, to Albert and Blanche Johnson. At 18, Walter was drafted into the U.S. Army and served honorably and bravely as an infantry soldier in the European theater. Walter was a decorated veteran; his service recognition included the WW II Victory Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the Army of Occupation Medal w/Germany Clasp. Walter was awarded a Silver Service Star for combat in five major battles in Africa, Sicily, Italy (including the battle of Monte Cassino), France and Germany. Walter was also awarded the Marksman Badge w/Rifle Bar. He was in combat 90% of the time he was in the service. Following honorable discharge from the Army, Walter returned to Portland where he met and soon married the great love of his life, June (Voeller) Johnson. Married 60 years, Walt and June settled in NE Portland and later moved to Milwaukie, Oregon. Walter also built an ocean front home in Manzantia, Oregon, where the family made wonderful memories over the years. Walter was president and part owner of La France Wine Company, a wine and beer importer and wholesale distributor, where he worked for 34 years. Walter is survived by his children, Richard Walter Johnson, Lorraine Marie Herinckx (Edward), and Kristine June Johnson; his loving grandchildren, Nicholas Edward Herinckx (Nicole), Michelle Marie Blankenship (John), Hannah Lorraine Herinckx, and Andrew Joseph Herinckx; and great-grandchildren Abigail Herinckx and Nathaniel Blankenship. Walter was a devout Catholic and attended mass at both Holy Rosary and St. John the Baptist. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 24th, 2017 at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. Please visit www.sunnysidechimes.com to view family photos and sign the online guest book. Service Information