Barent Charles Johnson (86) was born July 12,1939. He was a much loved son, caring husband, dad, stepdad, colleague and supporter of many community organizations. He passed away from a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease on April 21, 2026, at Lakeshore Manor in Oshkosh.
Barry was the youngest son of Mary Elizabeth (nee Anthony) and James Lynwood Johnson. He grew up in Upper Darby, PA.
Before graduating from high school in 1957, Barry spent many memorable summers as a camper and eventually as a staff member at Camp Belmont, a Boy Scout camp. He enrolled in Pennsylvania State University after high school, completed his BS, MS and PhD in Physics. In 1967, he took a job as Assistant Professor at Wisconsin State University (now University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh) in the Physics Department. Barry played many important roles throughout his tenure at the University until retirement in 1998. He was Department Chairs of two disciplines, Associate Dean of Letter and Science, retrained in Computer Science, worked in the Advising Office in Dempsey Hall and was Interim Registrar. He often remarked that the University gave him the opportunity to try out new things and to use his skills in other areas.
Over the years, Barry’s expertise in math gave him the opportunity to function as a treasurer of many different organizations from churches, regional councils, stock club and Learning in Retirement. His math skills and negotiating skills were employed while he volunteered at the Winnebago County Mediation Center.
As self-taught computer user, he developed his own spreadsheet to track the family budget, put together many picture albums depicting family gatherings, ever-expanding family of grandkids, Road Scholar/Elder Hostel classes and trips abroad over 35 years. He was an avid reader and learner and enjoyed experiencing different cultures. He loved live theater and concerts. One of his favorite memories was experiencing the opera of “War and Peace” on his birthday while on a trip to Moscow, Russia.
Most of all, he will be remembered for his thoughtful conversations, lively humor and wit. He loved his yard, trees and nature. For years he diligently measured snow and rain for the weather service. As a result, weather became a topic of discussion with friends and colleagues. His gentle soul, accepting nature, will be missed most of all.
He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Noreen; his sisters, Lois Burns and Lynn McLaughlin; brother, Neil Johnson (Marilyn); sons, Keith Barent Johnson, Peter Craig Johnson and Stephan Mark Johnson (Angie); 3 stepchildren, Colette Kolb (Craig), Don Gaymon (Bari) and Devin Gaymon (Stephanie; and 14 grand/step grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Anne Johnson (first wife) preceded him in death in 1992. His parents and two brothers-in-law proceed him in death.
A celebration of life will be held later this spring – details are pending, please check back shortly.
A huge thank you to the Lakeshore Manor staff and Moments Hospice for taking such wonderful care of Barry during his stay.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the following: Fox Valley Memory Care Project, Alzheimer's Research Organizations and Oshkosh Humane Society.