Julie M. Johnson

Julie M. Johnson, age 88, passed away peacefully on Sept. 4, 2026 at Meriter Hospital.

Julie was born on Nov.4, 1937, in Madison, WI, to Einer and Vera Anderson. She attended Randall Elementary School, and graduated from West High School.

She attended the Univ of Wisconsin and graduated with a degree in Speech Communications. While at the UW, she was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority, and participated in university theater productions.

While she was in college she met her husband,William (Bill) Johnson, while singing in the Luther Memorial Choir. They were married on May 14, 1960. Julie and Bill were blessed with three children, Jill, Karen and Steve.

Julie and Bill led a full life of faith, community service, and love of family and friends. Julie’s

passion was her theater work, including Children’s Theater and Theater Guild. Most notably she was known for playing “Kanga” in the Winnie the Pooh production that was performed at countless Madison elementary schools, as well as Europe.

While raising her three kids she was actively involved in volunteering at church, schools, books on tape, Meals on Wheels, and Zor Shrine. She enjoyed working as a tour guide for the City of Madison. She was also a proud member of the National Speech Sorority, Zeta Phi Eta.

Julie enjoyed many winters in Madeira Beach, FL, and summer family trips to Door County. She loved reading and listening to classical and Broadway music. She was the queen of thank you notes and never forgot any event that a card was needed.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 66 years, Bill; children, Jill (Greg), Karen (Victor), Steve (Fran); grandchildren, Amanda (David), Abby, Victor, William, Matthew, William (Billy), and Gabriella; her great-grandchildren, Geoffrey and Hazel. She is also survived her sisters, Carol (Skip) and Laurie. She is also lovingly remembered by other family and many dear friends.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Emily and Ginny, members of the palliative team at Meriter Hospital for their compassion and support during her final days.

Funeral services will be held at Luther Memorial Church, 1021 University Avenue, Madison, WI on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 4 p.m. Visitation one hour prior. Parking is available at Grainger Hall Parking Garage, Lot #7. A reception will follow at Attic Angel Senior Living, 8301 Old Sauk Road (main entry on Attic Angel Circle), Middleton, WI.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Children’s Theater of Madison, and the Dane Co. Humane Society.

She was a kind, generous, and deeply devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and will be missed by many.