Thomas Johns

Thomas D. "Tom" Johns, age 83 of Darlington, WI passed away Sunday, July 17, 2022, at William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, WI. He was born January 14, 1939, in Cook County, IL the son of Albert and Violet (Jacobsen) Johns. Tom grew up in the Gratiot, WI area where he graduated from Gratiot High School. In 1962, Tom enlisted in the United States Army where he served until being honorably discharged in 1964. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Marilyn Olson on June 18, 1966 at Grace Lutheran Church in Darlington. Tom worked for Al's Trucking/ Ruef's Sanitary as a crane operator for many years. He also drove school bus for the Darlington School District for many years and was the Public Works Director for the City of Darlington until retiring in 2006.Tom is survived by his wife Marilyn at home; his children: Wendy Johns and Robert "Bob" (Beppi Byl) Johns both of Darlington; and his grandchildren that he absolutely adored: Brielle Whalen, Tash, Ryker, and Serenedy Opland. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister: Mary Johns in 2021; and one brother: Alan Johns in 1971.Tom was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Darlington and was a member of Bates-O'Brien-Howe-Wiegel-Roelli American Legion post #214 of Darlington where he acted as the 3rd District Commander for one year. He loved racing and was part owner of a race car, B and J racing and spent many years fixing up the body work on the car. He was an avid sports fan who always enjoyed watching NASCAR, the Milwaukee Brewers, the Green Bay Packers, and the Wisconsin Badgers. When he was stuck indoors, Tom liked to watch the History Channel and the Food Network. He was quite possibly Vingers Pizza's biggest fan - always requesting that his crust was slightly burnt. In his free time, Tom always enjoyed welding, and fabricating.Tom was a great storyteller - sharing stories of the past with his grandchildren, friends, and anyone else who would listen. He was a very strong-willed man but laidback at the same time. He cherished the time he spent with his family creating memories they will all remember forever.A funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at Grace Lutheran Church (1302 Clay St., Darlington) with Rev. Kate Kieckhafer officiating. Military rites will be accorded by Bates-O'Brien-Howe-Wiegel-Roelli American Legion Post #214 of Darlington following the funeral service at the church. A visitation will be held Monday, July 25, 2022, from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Grace Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Union Grove Cemetery at a later date. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Tom's name.