David L. Johnston

David L. Johnston, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Coon Valley, WI on Wednesday, Nov. 12th. Born on October 2nd, 1942, in River Falls, Wisconsin, to Lloyd Johnston & Edith Bruegger, David and his 3 siblings, Bill, Roxanne, and Jeff, grew up around the clear waters of the Kinnickinnic River. David joined the Army National Guard in 1959 before graduating from River Falls High School in 1960 and marrying his high school sweetheart Sandra. The two moved to Washington state where David was stationed at Fort Lewis for one year. In 1962, with two children now in tow, the couple moved back to River Falls, Wisconsin and David made the decision to pursue his passion in education and pave the way for his family’s future.

David went on to earn his Bachelor Degree in Secondary Education (1965), Master of Science in Education (1970), and PhD in Philosophy & Education (1975). He began his career as an English teacher at Park High School in Racine, Wisconsin where the family then lived for 15 years and welcomed two more children. During that time David proposed and oversaw the formation of Waldon III alternative High School in Racine that boasts a smaller close-knit learning environment that still exists to this day and has since expanded to include grades 6-12. In 1980 David became the Assistant Superintendent for the La Crosse School District where he spent 22 years overseeing and strengthening the education system in our community before his retirement in 1999. Full retirement did not last long, however, as later in 2002 David came out of retirement to become the Superintendent for the Viroqua School District, a position he held for 5 years while successfully leading the school system through major renovations.

David and his wife Sandra enjoyed 65 years of marriage. They are the proud parents of five children and several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Among David’s many accomplishments in the community, his work with the Rotary Club of La Crosse and years volunteering at Gundersen Hospital are some of the most notable. He was also an accomplished author, having several poems published with the Franciscan Spirituality Center.

For all of his professional and personal accomplishments, David will be remembered for his kindness and intellectual way he viewed the world. He lived by the motto Life Is Good, and he truly saw the potential in everything and everyone around him. He touched many lives in the local school districts, churches, and surrounding rural communities, and he always found a reason to smile. After all, Life Is Good.

Survivors include his wife, Sandra Johnston of Coon Valley; and five children, Micheal, Daniel, Anthony, David L II, and David L III.

Visitation begins at 9:15 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20th at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 130 Losey Blvd S, La Crosse WI 54601. A Mass of Christian burial begins at 10 a.m. and lunch is to follow. All are welcome. Father Bill Dodge will officiate. Private family burial will follow at Mormon Coulee Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions in David’s name be made to local organizations of your choosing. The Seland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com. Friends may also call David L Johnston III with questions and condolences.