Chad W. Johnson, age 53, passed away at UW Hospital in Madison on January 8, 2026. He was born on March 12, 1972, in Beloit, WI. Chad grew up in Orfordville, WI, and graduated from Parkview High School in 1990. He went on to earn a degree in computer information systems at Blackhawk Technical College. In 1997, he went to work at American Family Insurance as a systems analyst where he worked up until his passing.
Chad loved being at the land up north, which he called “our little piece of heaven.” If friends and family were there to hunt, fish, hike, or camp with him, that made it even more special. He was frequently drawing up plans for the retirement cabin that was to be built on the land for his family.
Chad had a passion for music and playing the guitar. He loved anything by Van Halen, Led Zeppelin or Stevie Ray Vaughan. Chad could strike up a conversation with anyone, especially if they were wearing camo! He made friends wherever he went.
Chad met the love of his life, Gina when he was 15. After 18 years they reconnected and were married in 2006. He was so proud when he became the father of Emma in 2008 and Hannah in 2011. They were his world.
Chad is survived by his wife, Gina; daughters, Emma and Hannah; father, Dennis Johnson of Tomah WI; mother, Jill Riese of Orfordville, WI; brothers, Eric (Kathy) Johnson of Brodhead, WI, and Joshua Johnson of Orfordville, WI; brother-in-law, Kyle Mielke of Janesville; uncle, Jim Kettle of New Albin, IA; and aunts, Jeanne (Dennis) Socwell of Footville, WI, and Teresa (Erin) Gilbertson of Oregon, WI. He is further survived by many other relatives, friends, and animal friends, Lola, Archie, Little Meow, and Kiwi.
He was preceeded in death by his maternal grandparents, Charlene Gilbertson and David Kettle; paternal grandparents, Theodore and Hattie Johnson; aunts: Judy Heyerdahl, Janice Balch, Mardel Reynolds, Beverly Johnson, Arlene Morris, and Corrine Johnson; uncles, Jack Kettle and Jeffrey Kettle; stepfather, William Riese; father-in-law, Steve Mielke; mother-in-law, Linda, Mielke; and sister-in-law, Heidi Peterson. He will also have many dogs, cats and his special bunny, Daisy, waiting for him in Heaven.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at SCHNEIDER LIFE CELEBRATION CENTER and family has asked for those attending to wear something camo in honor of Chad. An additional Celebration of Life if being planned for the spring at Chad’s “little slice of Heaven.” SCHNEIDER FUNERAL DIRECTORS is assisting the family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com
The family would like to thank UW Radiation Oncologist Brett Morris and staff for their expertise, honesty and compassion. A special thank you from the bottom of our hearts to Paul and Kris Groell who have been with us every day asking what we need, praying and providing help when we didn’t even know what we needed.