Wilho “Bill” Oswald Johnson, 98 of Hixson, TN, died on Monday, October 5, 2026.
He was born in Worcester, MA to the late Henry Johnson and Alviria Kujala Johnson of Finland.
Bill served our country proudly, enlisting with the U.S. Army, serving with the 7700th Information and Education Group. During the allied occupation of Germany, towards the end of World War II, Bill was appointed as one of the U.S. Army guards during the trials in Nuremburg, Germany lead by the Allied powers to prosecute prominent leaders of Nazi Germany for atrocities and war crime. At the time of his discharge, he had achieved the rank of Technician Fourth Grade and received the Army of Occupation Medal and World War II Victory Medal.
He retired from Nabisco after 40 years of service. Bill was a member of the Elks Lodge #91 and VFW, where he was a Gold Circle Member for his faithful support of the VFW’s National Veterans Service Program. He was an avid golfer and member of Abba’s House.
Other than his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his daughters, Karen Shevchenko and Virigan Johnson and his sisters, Helen and Aunes.
Survivors include his loving and devoted wife, Catherine “Juanita” Johnson, his children, Russell W. (Judith A.) Johnson, Webster, MA, stepchildren, Randy (Lisa) Gould, Annette (Hans) Sowery and Ricky (Fonda) Nix; grandchildren, Brenda M. (David A.) Bianculli, Cape Elizabeth, ME, Susan L. (John H.) Tarasiak, Charlton, MA, Jolene Delitrain, GA, Brett Steven Shevchenko, For Myers, FL, Presley McRay and Page (Logan); step-grandchildren, Chad Patterson, Nikko Gould, Block (Caylin) Gould and Paige (Logan) McBay; great-grandchildren, Sanda R. (Edward J.) Keegan, Oxford, MA, David J. Bianculli, Chelmsford, MA, Shawn R. (Victoria G.) Tarasiak, Milford, MA, Rachel J. Bianculli, Wiesbaden, Germany, Jameson Laport, Jereme Erlandson, Kendall Leigh Jean Shevchenko, Brynlee Sierra Shevchenko and Lyndia; step-greatgrandchildren, Presleigh McRay, William Gould and Lyndia McBay.
The family will receive friends from 10 AM until the time of service on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Abba’s House,
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Abba’s House at 11 AM Monday, October 26, 2026, with Pastor Paulette Phillips officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with the U.S. Army providing Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or to a charity of your choice in memory of Bill.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Cremation Center of Chattanooga, 1345 Hickory Valley Road, Suite B, Chattanooga, TN 37421, (423) 362-5999.