William "Will" Charles Johnson

William "Will" Charles Johnson passed away peacefully in Port Charlotte FL on May 18, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.  He was 87 years old.  Will was formerly of Bay View WI and New Berlin WI and had been a resident of Punta Gorda FL for 30 years.

Will was born on December 19, 1937 in Milwaukee WI.  He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1960, with assignments in Winslow, Arizona and Okinawa, Japan.  During his service, he specialized in communications.

He married the love of his life, Arlene Urbaniak, on May 9, 1964, and together they celebrated 61 years of devoted marriage.

Will retired from Wisconsin Bell in Milwaukee WI, after a distinguished 36-year career from 1955 to 1991.  He was a community leader, serving as President of the New Berlin Athletic Association from 1980 to 1990 and as President of the New Berlin Eisenhower High School Basketball Booster Club from 1979 to 1990.

After relocating to Florida, Will became a member of the Twin Isles Country Club in 1997, where he assumed several leadership roles, including the following: service on the Greens and Grounds Committee, the Golf Committee, and the Rules and Handicap Committee.  Will also oversaw the Islesmen golf group for over 20 years, including coordinating and setting up tournaments each year ending with his famous year end "Cheetah" tournament.

Will was a man of deep Christian faith and lived a life filled with passion for golf, classic cars, travel and cruising, cheering on Wisconsin sports, and - most of all - watching his grandchildren compete in athletics.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Evelyn Johnson, and his sister, Josephine Olla.

Will is survived by his loving wife, Arlene (Urbaniak) Johnson; his children, Jeff (Lori) Johnson of River Falls WI, Kelly (Keith) Frydenlund of Cottage Grove WI, and Sean (Julie) Johnson of Mount Horeb, WI; and his beloved eleven grandchildren: Brad, Ashley, Zac, Quincy, Preston, Cullen, and Vaughn Johnson; Braeden and Ethan Frydenlund; and Sam and Lauren Johnson.

Burial will take place at a later date at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Milwaukee WI.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the Tidewell Foundation (in memory of William Johnson), 1158 Veronica St., Port Charlotte FL 33952 or online at tidewell foundation.org.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate caregivers at Tidewell Hospice House in Port Charlotte FL for their tender care in Will's final days.