Dean Paul Johnson, age 61, of Verona, Wisconsin died Sunday, November 9, 2008 at the Moundview Memorial Hospital & Clinics in Friendship, Wisconsin following a heart attack.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2008 at the The Dry Bean, 5264 Verona Road, Madison, Wisconsin.

Dean was born February 10, 1947 in Joliet, Illinois to Norman R. and Geraldine G. (Hannon) Johnson. He was raised and educated in Joliet and attended Northern Illinois University. He met his wife, Linda while working a Tire Wall Day at Blackhawk Farms Raceway in South Beloit, IL.

Amateur road racing was Dean�s passion since 1965. He belonged to Midwestern Council of Sports Car Clubs, where he served for a number of years as Chief Steward and President. He also belonged to Sports Car Club of America. Dean built and raced an Austin Healy Sprite and was involved in organizing and working racing events.

Dean, Linda and his best buddy, his dog, AJ traveled throughout the United States working races.

The family would like to extend special thanks to all Dean�s doctors, nurses and support staff at UW Hospital and Clinics.

Memorials may be directed to the Juvenile Diabetes Association.

Survivors:

Wife: Linda Chapman of Verona, Wisconsin

Sister: Sheryl "Sherry" (Bruce) Peterson of Rock Island, IL

Aunt: Betty Neiswender of Joliet, IL

Brother-in-law: R. Wayne (Vicki) Chapman of Leland, NC

Sister-in-law: Susan Murray of Park Falls, Wisconsin

Nieces and Nephews: Kyle, Christopher, Megan, Brett, Todd, and Kina.