Paul Johnson

Paul David Johnson, age 65, of Winona, passed away on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at the Gundersen Health System Hospital in La Crosse, WI.

Paul was born on December 14, 1956, in the New Ulm area, and lived there until he ran away and joined the Carnival. He drove an 18-wheeler while living in Des Moines, Iowa.  Paul spent a number of years installing carpet and vinyl floors in the Des Moines area. After moving to Winona, he worked at Badger Foundry and the Cozy Corner bar while studying aircraft mechanics. Many homes in the Winona area have a little piece of Paul as he was often hired to paint houses inside and out.

Paul worked and volunteered at the Polish Museum (PCIM) taking care of the lawns, clearing snow and planting a massive number of colorful flowers on Museum property. You might have met him in the kitchen during an event. He held court in the Schultz house garage doing everything from sorting and bagging apples to grinding and cutting metal as he was building a wagon for his mini bike. He was also an incredible wood worker, maintaining or building new things for the Polish Museum. He had an eye for aesthetics and the skills to make whatever was in his mind a reality. He also helped at Fr. Breza’s apple orchard doing things like picking apples and pruning the trees.

Paul  was upbeat as he battled cancer for over a year. He enjoyed fishing on the Mississippi. He kept his passion for life alive by custom building his mini bike. He didn’t like anyone who was ostentatious or put on airs. Paul was the type of person who could talk to complete strangers and become friends in the span of an hour or two. Paul was a jack of all trades. His outgoing and friendly personality was magnetic and attracted a wide variety of people of all ages."