Zackary R. Johnson

Zackary Robert Johnson Ogema Benays “The Head of the Eagles/King Eagle”, age 36, of Merrill, passed away at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee after awaiting a liver/kidney transplant. He was not able to fight the battle against an aggressive blastomycosis infection. Zackary was born February 28, 1983, in Hayward, WI to Candace (Christianson) and Gary Johnson. Zack was baptized at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua and confirmed at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Merrill. Zack was a graduate of Merrill Senior High School and had attended Northcentral Technical College, Wausau. Zack was a natural athlete when he was younger, but that was not his passion. Zackary had a great love of music. He was especially talented playing the guitar and writing songs. At one time, he played with several groups of friends. Zack wrote music and songs by himself and with others. Zack was a big fan of ‘Nirvana’ and Kurt Cobain. Zack is survived by his parents, Candace Johnson, Merrill, and Gary Johnson, Superior; step-mom, Kelly Peterson, Superior; wife, Jessica Appleton Johnson, of the United Kingdom; step-son, Tyler, also of the U.K.; brother, Jeremiah Johnson, Superior; paternal grandmother, Darlene Johnson, Hayward; and many aunts and uncles including, Diana Christianson, Milwaukee, Sherry (Mike) Riga, North Carolina, Byron Christianson, Genoa, Scott Johnson, Hayward, Rick Johnson, Shakopee, MN, Dennis Johnson, Hayward, Renee Wilson, Fort Collins, CO and Lisa (Jon) Sheehan, Stanberry, WI; many cousins and other relatives; and many friends including, cousin Terra (Ryan) Roberts, Hayward. Zack was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Leonard Johnson; and maternal grandparents, Harry and Helen Christianson. Zack and his friend, Anthony Zierahn, wrote the following lyrics: “See you soon on a better road N when we do We’ll call it home See you soon on a better road N when we do We’ll call it home” As we were told over and over, Zackary inspired a lot of people and Zack was a person easy to love! A memorial service for Zack will be held at 12:00 P.M., Noon, Saturday, December 21, 2019 at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. Saturday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com