Lawrence Johnson Jr. 04/03/2023

Lawrence Johnson Jr., age 84, of River Falls, WI, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children on April 3, 2023. He was born on February 11, 1939, to Lawrence Martin and Alice Jeanette (Cudd) Johnson. Jr. attended grade school at Forestville Country School. He graduated from River Falls
High School in 1958. He married his high school sweetheart, Diane Kusilek, in 1960. The marriage was blessed with four children.
Jr. worked with H.D. Cudd Builders during his high school years. In 1965, he worked construction at 3M with his uncle, John Cudd, Jr. In 1967, he and John started their homebuilding business, Cudd & Johnson Contractors. In 1969, Gene Larson and Don Kruger joined the business, thereafter, known as Quality Built Homes. Together they built around 200 new homes. They also completed hundreds of remodeling and home addition projects.
In 1971, Quality Built Homes built a cabin in Cumberland, WI, where many years of hunting was done with family and friends. In later years, they purchased a park model trailer on Nelson Lake in Hayward, WI. Here, Diane, Jr., and family spent many weekends fishing and finding bargains at garage sales.
Jr.’s passion was spending time with his family. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son, sons-in-law, grandsons, and their families. He spent countless hours watching his kids’ and grandkids’ various activities. Jr. and Diane loved to travel. Some of their favorite memories include Branson, Hawaii and Alaska. Other hobbies Jr. loved were dancing, visiting with friends, and playing cards. Jr. was an avid Green Bay Packer, Brewer, and Badger fan.
His faith was very important in his life. He was baptized and confirmed at Ezekiel Lutheran Church in River Falls, WI. Jr. will remain in the heart of his loving wife Diane of 63 years as a humble, dedicated man of devotion and love. He will be remembered by his children as a man of great kindness, patience, and strong faith. He was a teacher of life lessons and a beautiful caregiver. An active listener who routinely offered advice and direction. Dad’s love was unconditional and never ending. This is something we will cherish from his character and take with us forever.
Jr. is survived by his wife, Diane (Kusilek) Johnson; children: Joanne (Loren) Heebink, Linda (Brian) Pechacek, Boyd (Paula) Johnson, Brenda Simone; grandchildren: Charles (Nichole) Larson, Nathan Larson, Colin Pechacek, Mari (Dan) Koecher, Megan Pechacek, Taylor (Hannah) Johnson, Peyton Johnson, Kacey Simone, Vinnie Simone; step-grandchildren: Koehl (Lily) Heebink, Mckel Heebink; four great-grandchildren, sister Cynthia (Al) Moosbrugger, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Lawrence Jr. was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Alice Johnson, and grandparents, Hannah and John Cudd, Sr. The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to St, Croix Hospice for the dedicated care they provided.
A memorial service was held at 3:00 PM on Monday, April 10, 2023, at Ezekiel Lutheran Church (202 S 2nd Street) in River Falls, WI. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM. A private family interment was Greenwood Cemetery in River Falls. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.