It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to our husband, father, brother, and grandpa, Daniel Clark Johnson. Dan was born July 14th, 1946 in Evanston Hospital to his parents Robert and Mable Johnson. He was the oldest of 5 children, and was the big brother to his four sisters Debbie, Patty, Martha, and Cathy. “Danny” grew up in Winnetka, Il attending Crow Island Elementary, and Skokie Middle schools. In high school, Dan established a lifelong joy for running, teaming up with his “Cindermen” friends on the New Trier track team. The apex of his track career saw him qualify for the Illinois state meet in both 100 and 220 yard dashes, as well as in the 880 yard relay. Prior to the state meet, with both Dan and Rich Robinson anchoring the 880 relay team, the Cindermen had the fastest 880 time in Illinois that season. While at New Trier, Dan also met the love of his life, his high school sweetheart and future wife, Leslie Swoger. After graduating from New Trier in 1964, he headed to Michigan State University (Leslie would soon follow) where Dan took his love for structure and numbers, and majored in accounting. While at MSU he developed many life-long friendships with his brothers in the Delta Sigma Pi fraternity. After many good times with friends at MSU, Dan relished in his love for the Big Ten, continuing on to the University of Wisconsin where he obtained an M.B.A.
After his first year at UW, Dan kindled a relationship with KPMG, interning at the consultancy and ultimately kicking off what would be an illustrious 35-year career at the firm. At KPMG Dan rose through the ranks, making Partner in 1978, and going on to lead the Chicago and Midwest insurance practice. Amongst his peers, Dan was a respected and trusted leader, known for mentoring a number of junior colleagues who became partners themselves, and standing up for his people to ensure their best interests were accounted for.
Where 1969 saw him begin his work career, it was in 1970 that he would marry his longtime sweetheart, Leslie. After purchasing their first house, they soon welcomed their three children A.J., Jordan, and Adam. He was a dedicated father, who did everything for his family, finding so much enjoyment in every tap recital, hockey game, and track meet. Treasuring time with his family, Dan dedicated all of his time off from KPMG to vacations in their trusted assortment of vans, traveling to family favorites like the Northwoods of Wisconsin, the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee, and majestic geysers of Yellowstone.
While many find it hard to transition to retirement, Dan blossomed. Starting at an early age, he developed a deep passion for the Wisconsin Northwoods, and in retirement he and Leslie became active in their Northwoods community. Dan became the President of their lake association, and in that role he partnered with the Wisconsin DNR to hand survey their lake and take action against an invasive weed that was choking their aquatic system. Dan and Leslie teamed up to write and self-publish a book called “Heaven on the Headwaters” to codify the history of their beloved Northwoods lake and its community. The book went on to win an “IPPY” Award for independent publishing. Dan was also a lover of golf, and in 2011 he set out with his longtime foursome in an RV en route to the Arctic Circle where they would play golf under the midnight sun. The journey was filmed and ultimately released as a 6-part series on the Golf Channel entitled “Our Longest Drive.”
Despite finding comfort on the golf course, Dan was most at peace in his fishing boat. An avid musky fisherman, the day was never too cold, too windy, or too wet for him to press on with his eternal search for snaggletooth - the killer musky. As a musky fisherman, there was no better.
Along his journey, Dan treasured his friends and family, nurturing life-long friendships with many, and finding so much joy in watching his kids grow and start families of their own. Either through nature or nurture, Dan instilled the values of family, loyalty, and pride in one’s work. He was an adored “Grandpa”, and whether it was car rides in “Lightning McQueen,” Bingo Night, running The Johnson Family Olympics, or baiting hooks with minnows, he invested deeply in his connections with each of his cherished grandkids. He was a loving husband, that despite his sickness, gathered all of his strength to soldier home from the hospital so that he could celebrate 50 years with his sweetheart. He fought until his body gave out on him. His legacy will be that a day should never be wasted, a moment never taken for granted, and there’s always time for one last cast. Dan leaves this world much too early, and will be deeply missed by many.
Contributions welcomed in his memory to High-Fishtrap-Rush Lakes Association, P.O. Box 122, Boulder Junction, WI 54512
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