Professor Millard W. Johnson, Jr.

Johnson, Jr. Prof. Millard W.   Madison/Racine -- Professor Millard W. Johnson, Jr. , age 81, emeritus professor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Engineering Mechanics and Department of Mathematics, passed away at Hospicecare in Fitchburg, Wisconsin on February 20, 2009 .   He was born on February 1, 19 28 in Racine Wisconsin , the son of Millard and Marion (Rittman) Johnson.   He grew up in Racine , WI and graduated from Racine Horlick High School as valedictorian of his class.   He was editor of the High School newspaper.   He developed a life long love of learning and of math from an early age which was central to his entire life.   After high school he joined the Navy and served from 1946 - 1948.   He served part of his duty on the Destroyer USS Wiltsie as an Electronics Technician's Mate.   He was honorably discharged at the rank of EMT 2.     He began his undergraduate schooling at Carlton College in Northfield , Minnesota and completed his degree at University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Applied Mathematics and Mechanics in 1952.   He went on to graduate school at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston , MA graduating with a PhD in Mathematics in 1957.   His brother and best friend, Charles (Chuck) W. Johnson, was his roommate at Wisconsin and later at MIT.     While at MIT, he came home to Racine for break and met his wife to be, Ruth Pugh Gifford.   On their second date, Millard taught Ruth how to cast a lure and that began a life of enjoying fishing and other outdoor activities together.   They enjoyed a long life together in activities involved with the University, the outdoors, travel, and just having fun with their family and friends.   Millard's father passed down his Springpole Lake property located northeast of Ear Falls , Ontario to Millard and Ruth which began a family tradition of building cabins together on the property.   Several cabins were built on the property, which is approximately 60 miles from the nearest road.   Millard led many family canoe trips into the cabin and pontoon planes were often flown in also.   Two of the cabins were built entirely out of logs cut down from the surrounding area.   He was an avid sportsman enjoying activities such as hiking, canoeing, hunting and fishing.   He taught his family that whenever they felt low, go take a walk.   It will lift up your spirits.   It was these simple every day acts of kindness that endeared him to so many.   He was a loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers and attended many games when the Packers used to play in Milwaukee .   He attended Super Bowl II in Miami with his parents and brother and watched the Packers win.         Millard spent his entire professional career at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   He began his career as an assistant professor and was later tenured as a professor of applied math and engineering.   He had numerous research interests and was extensively published in the fields of continuum mechanics, viscoelasticity, lubrication, theory of thin bodies and mechanics of paper.   Millard gave lectures throughout the world during his career.   He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Society of Rheology, a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Society of Industrial & Applied Math and American Academy of Mechanics.   He was most proud of the achievements of his former students whom he was honored to teach and mentor during their studies at the university and in their later careers.   Many students and colleagues described Millard as a gentleman who cared deeply about every one of his students.   He was known as a professor who demanded and expected excellence out of all his students.   He wanted to make sure his students graduated with the knowledge and capacity to excel as the best in their field of study and to make the most of their inherent talents.   He enjoyed immensely the camaraderie and excellence promoted within the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Engineering Mechanics.   The UW Madison Engineering programs he was involved with were always among the top programs in the nation.   While he was a faculty member of the Letters and Science tenure committee he insisted that only the best and most accomplished be awarded tenure at the university.   It was important to him that the University maintained the highest research and academic standards in its leadership role as a world class institution and that the students who came here to learn were taught by the best in their field.     He was preceded in death by his parents, Millard and Marion Johnson.   He is survived by his wife and companion of 55 years, Ruth Pugh Gifford Johnson; children, Millard (Mary) of the Town of Middleton, WI, Jeannette (Greg) Brooks of Laramie, WY, Charles (Beth) of Madison, WI and Peter of Anchorage, AK; grandchildren, Lindsay and Kale Johnson , Kristin, Eric (Bridget) and Anna Brooks, Sierra and Kelsey Johnson; brother, Charles W. (Jennifer) Johnson of Racine, WI and many relatives and friends.       Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM to be followed by the funeral service at 1:00 PM at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road , Madison , WI on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009 .   A reception will follow at Blackhawk Country Club, 3603 Blackhawk Drive , Madison , WI immediately after the service.   Memorials may be sent to ""Millard W. Johnson, Jr. Scholarship Fund"" care of University of Wisconsin Foundation , U.S. Bank Lockbox, P.O. Box 78807 , Milwaukee , WI 53278-0807 or made online at www.uwfoundation.wisc.edu.   An annual scholarship award recipient(s) will be chosen by the faculty of the UW Madison Department of Engineering Physics for deserving students enrolled in the Engineering Mechanics and Astronautics program.