Dr. Darrel E. Johnson

Darrel Ellsworth Johnson, DVM, age 92 of Marshfield, WI, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 28, 2024, at Stoney River Assisted Living Facility in Marshfield. He leaves behind a legacy of service, dedication, humility, and compassion.

He was born on November 23, 1931, son of the late Deborah (Lindgren) and Ellsworth Johnson in Scandia, MN. He spent his youth on the 160-acre Johnson family farm and attended Chisago City High School. After graduation, he attended college at Gustavus Adolphus in St. Peter, MN followed by acceptance to the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine where he graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1957. Toward the end of his veterinary student life, he met the love of his life, Arlene Retzlaff, on a vet schoolwork project to North Dakota. They married on June 26, 1955, and raised 4 children together.

Darrel begun his vet career in a private dairy practice in Manawa, WI where he soon became an owner and partner. The practice expanded to the small town of Weyauwega in 1960 where Darrel became senior member of a group practice known as Dairyland Animal Health. He practiced in Weyauwega until his retirement in 1993.

Darrel's contributions to veterinary medicine began early in his career. He and the practice were in the forefront of the development of the concept of "Herd Health." Today, production medicine is the norm.

His professional activities led him to serve as member and often chairman of numerous state and national animal health committees, councils, and boards. His practice was highly sought after for veterinary externships from students throughout the Midwest. Darrel and Arlene took in 50-60 vet students over the years during these externships.

Darrel's hard work and passion for dairy medicine did not go unnoticed. In 1968, he was named Wisconsin Veterinarian of the Year. He became a distinguished alumnus of the University of Minnesota in 1979 and in 1986 was awarded the National Bovine Practitioner of the Year by the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) - the highest award in his field. In 2017, he was installed into AABP's Production Medicine Hall of Fame; an honor of particular meaning to him as he championed the birth and development of herd health in his entire professional career. In addition, he lectured at conventions, seminars, and schools. He was a published writer, with the most notable being a chapter in the textbook Veterinary Clinics of North America.

In addition to Darrel's outstanding contributions to large animal medicine, he was also devoted to serving his community in numerous ways. This included church elder, bank board of directors, humane officer, chamber of commerce, school board, and the Industrial Development Committees just to name a few. In retirement, he continued to volunteer and serve his new community in Marshfield at the local hospital and church.

It has been said that behind every successful man is a woman, and beside Darrel stood his wife, Arlene. Her dedication to Darrel, her family, the practice, and her community was limitless and cemented her deserving share in all his accomplishments. Sadly, she preceded him in death in 2000.

Darrel was also preceded in death by brother and sister-in-law, Duane (Lorraine) Johnson; sister and brother-in-law, Dolores (Warren) Dahlin; brothers-in-law: Harold Witte, Pete Retzlaff, and Fred Retzlaff.

Darrel is survived by his four children: Tim Johnson of Bellows Falls, VT; Deb Johnson (Paul) of Sturgeon Bay, WI; Todd Johnson of Albany, NY; and Danise (Guy) Otte of Mosinee, WI; his grandsons: Alex and Connor Otte; sisters-in-law: Joan Witte and Patti Retzlaff; and numerous cherished nephews and nieces. Lifelong friendships meant the world to Darrel and include so many from college days, life in Weyauwega, and those met in the course of his professional life. The memories made hunting, fishing, traveling, and dining with many of them were priceless to him. Special mention should also go to Darrel's longtime practice partner, Dr. Richard (Ann) Larsen and family; a better partner could not be had nor wished for.

The family would like to express special thanks to the following: the staff at Stoney River Assisted Living for their care of Darrel these past couple years; daughter, Danise Otte and family for years of handling Darrel's affairs, transitional moves, and health care needs. Their care never faltered and was indispensable beyond measure. Thanks also to Dahlke Funeral & Cremation Care of Weyauwega for their support and assistance with arrangements.

A memorial service for Darrel will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 11:00am at the First Presbyterian Church of Marshfield with Rev. Laurie Davis officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the church prior to the service from 9:30am - 10:45am. A luncheon will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to honor Darrel can be made to any local humane animal shelter of choice or the food pantry program SOS at First Presbyterian Church of Marshfield. Unspecified memorials will go to organizations reflecting Darrel's commitment to service of others.