Curtis Benhart Johnson

Curtis Johnson, age 87, of Appleton, passed away Monday, July 4, 2022, in Appleton Area Health-Hospital. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Thursday, July 7, 2022, at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton. Visitation will resume from 10-11 a.m., followed by the funeral at 11 a.m., Friday July 8, 2022, at the church. Pastor Art Wiese will officiate. Burial will be in Appleton City Cemetery. Curtis Benhart Johnson was born on August 23, 1934, in Appleton to parents Benhart and Carrie Johnson. He was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church by Pastor Belgum on September 4, 1934 and confirmed by Pastor Garlid on June 5, 1949. He attended school in Appleton, graduating with the Class of 1952. During this time he was a Boy Scout and Explorer Scout, making a number of trips with the local troop. He also served as Scout Mater following graduation from High School. On January 2, 1960 he was united in marriage to Gloria Ulstad at Borgund Lutheran Church rural Madison. To this union 3 daughters were born: Mary, Carrie and Karen. Curtis began his life long career in the newspaper and printing industry when he had his first paper route at age 9. His work at the Appleton Press began at 14 when he was employed as a printers devil. In 1963 he and Gloria purchased the Valley Journal Newspaper in Halstad, MN which they owned and operated until 1969 when they moved back to Appleton. Curtis then worked for Bill McGary until 1972, when in partnership, he and his brother Loren purchased The Appleton Press. Later they purchased the Milan Standard Newspaper and were also part owners of the Western Minnesota Peach Section. In 1995 Curtis and Gloria sold their share of the business to his brother Loren and retired. Upon Loren's death he went back to work part time for his niece Leslie Ehrenberg until her son Tim finished printing school. Even in retirement Curtis was involved with the newspaper and commercial printing department at The Press helping out when called upon. He also continued writing his column, Bits “N Pieces until he was unable to write any longer. He began his second career on January 19, 1953 when he enlisted in Tank Company, 1st Battalion, 136th Infantry Regiment, 47th Infantry Division of the Minnesota Army National Guard. As a tanker he served as a driver, gunner and tank commander. In October of 1956 he enrolled in the Minnesota Military Academy, graduating as a second lieutenant in September 1957. As an officer he served as a tank platoon leader and later when the unit was changed to infantry, he served as a weapons platoon leader. In 1963 he transferred to Moorhead Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 136th Infantry Regiment, as a liaison officer and when promoted to Captain he served as part commander and battalion communications officer in the Bemidji unit. Upon their return to Appleton Curtis continued to serve in the Moorhead unit until their purchase of the The Appleton Press, when he transferred back to Appleton. Reverting back to the enlisted ranks, he served in supply, as the nuclear-biological-chemical NCO and then as communications chief. Curtis retied from the military with an honorable discharge on August 23, 1995 after over 40 years of service. He continued his service to his nation as a member of the local National Guard Citizens Committee and on the Employers Support for the National Guard and Reserve Committee. He received a number of awards and letters of commendation during his service. He was named as Battalion Citizen-Soldier in 1991. Curtis was always involved in his community and church. In Zion Lutheran he served on the church council, taught Sunday School and for many years served as chairman of the Memorial Committee. In the community he served on the Appleton Library Board and on 2 regional library boards. Curtis was also active in the American Legion, serving for many years as finance officer and as manager of the Legion building. He also worked as an election judge for the city and school district. He was a director on the Martinson Foundation Board, treasurer for the Appleton United Fund and was also a member of the Appleton Sportsman's Club and Amvets. In retirement he and Gloria enjoyed traveling with their motor home or fifth wheel, visiting family and friends new and far. Curtis always said he had no time for hobbies, all he every did was work, but he did enjoy being with family and friends. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandson Nathan. His only hobby was his wood cutting as he warmed their home with a wood stove for many years. Curtis is survived by his wife, Gloria, daughter Karen, her husband Randy and grandson Nathan, sister Ardis Fairchild, all his adopted daughters, many nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Carrie; In-laws Gilbert and Gitta Ulstad; daughters, Mary and Carrie; grandson Tony Rugroden; brother Loren; niece Beth Caswell; brother-in-laws Gaylord Ulstad, Allen Ulstad, Neil Fairchild, Dick Hipple and sister-in-laws Carol Hipple and Dianne Johnson.