Gerald Robert Johnson

Jerry was born in Wyeville, WI to Anna Logan and Robert Johnson on September 13, 1938. He attended school in Butternut, WI and the University of Maryland where he was on the Dean’s Honor List. He married Ana Enya Rentas on April 17, 1964, in Ponce, P.R. He served in the United States Navy for 20 years, 9 months, retiring as Chief Petty Officer. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and was awarded the U.S. Navy Joint Service Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Good Conduct Medal with a silver star and 3 bronze stars, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 bronze stars. He was involved in disc jockeying, the American Legion, volunteering at the Museum of Science and Industry, and HAM shortwave radio. He enjoyed all genres of music, Star Trek, fishing, Hallmark Channel movies, and football. He received the well-deserved honor of being the best Papi and grandpa ever by his children and grandchildren.

Jerry is preceded in death by his father Robert and mother Anna. His father-in-law Jenaro Rentas Sr. and mother-in-law Melin Rentas, his sister Judith, and brothers Donald and James.

Jerry is survived by his wife Ana, children Jeffrey (Diana), Jennifer (John Randell), and chosen daughter Mari, grandchildren Brittany, Mathias, Jessica, Nathaniel, Fernando, and Giovanna, and by his brother-in-law Jenaro Rentas (Myrna) and sister-in-law Marta Rentas.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at Blount and Curry Funeral Home -Terrace Oaks, with Fr. Kovanis of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, officiating. Burial will follow at the Florida National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The family of Jerry wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the remarkable nurses, doctors, and other caregivers in the CICU and MICU at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital.