William P. Johnson

Bill Johnson is synonymous with Swede Road, Tidioute. Born there to Ernest and Winifred (Holcomb) Johnson, he spent his childhood helping with his parents’ oil producing company, working on his grandparents’ farm, and attending the Triumph School. He later moved on to the Tidioute School, and graduated with the class of 1943. He attended Penn State University prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Force, excelling as Marksman/Pistol and Sharpshooter/Carbine. Upon discharge from the AAF, Bill was an equipment operator for Quaker State, worked at Pennco until their closure, and moved onto Loranger Manufacturing until retirement. Bill, along with his brother, Ernie, owned and operated a business, Johnson Boat Sales. They sold boats, motors, skis, and boating accessories. He was also adept at motor repairs, even if they were not his favorite and highest quality motor, Mercury.

Bill and Donna (Montgomery) married in 1948 and would establish their family home on Swede Road, where they raised their five children. They were the first family to tent camp across from the boat launch at Tionesta Lake. It was the destination for family vacations for many decades, swimming, boating, and water skiing from dawn until dusk. Bill was an accomplished water skier, and kept at it into his 80s. Retirement led Bill and Donna to Florida, Texas, and an adventure of a lifetime to the west coast in their 5th wheel travel trailer, visiting relatives, historical sites, and enjoying time at many campgrounds across the United States. There were many challenges, as with any RV travels, but they were resourceful and made it all work.

Not long ago, Dad let us know of everything that people are remembered for, he hoped he would be remembered as a good family man and provider. And that he was. Their home and yard was the site of hot dog and corn roasts, birthday and holiday parties, and Easter egg hunts that were epic. Some of the egg hiding places were very “interesting” to say the least. Bill taught his children and grandchildren at a young age how to drive and repair anything with a motor. MacGyver could have learned a thing or two from Swede Road Bill.

Bill was a proud member of the Elzie E. Lynch American Legion Post 334, Tidioute, PA, and most likely their oldest member.

Bill is survived by children, Lynn (Loretta) Johnson of Tidioute; Tom Johnson of Tidioute; son-in-law Tom Nansen of Tidioute; Sue (Jack) Shields of Tidioute; and Mark (Terri) Johnson of Middle River, MD. Grandchildren, including those of our blended families are Jodi and Amy; Jessica; Julie, Amy, and Nick; Melissa, Chris, and Andy; and Tiffany. Great-grandchildren numbering 21 as well as generations of nieces and nephews round out the family.

In addition to his parents, Bill’s wife Donna predeceased him in May, 2023, and also his brother Ernie, and his wife Katie. Bill and Donna’s daughter, Nancy, passed away in July, 2024, and their grandson William E.E. Johnson (Billy) and step-grandson, Tommy Hall, also predeceased them. Their niece, Sarah Montgomery, who was very special to them and vice versa, passed away in October, 2023. Her Uncle Bill passed away on her birthday.

A celebration of life for Bill and Donna will be held in July of 2025 around the time of their 77th wedding anniversary. An announcement will be made as to the date and time.

Donations in Bill’s memory will be gratefully accepted by the Swedish Union Church & Cemetery Assn., % Sue Shields, Treasurer, 36 Swede Road, Tidioute, PA 16351 or Friends of the Rouse, 701 Rouse Avenue, Youngsville, PA 16371.

The Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, in Youngsville, have been entrusted with all arrangements. Condolences to the family may be made at nelsonfuneralhome.net.