" I am so sorry for your Loss, and the Loss the world has,,, God Bless you and your Beautiful Son,,,, Prayers are sent,,, nothing so painful as a childs death,,,, "
In loving memory of
Alexander Lyle Johnson
July 14, 2000 - August 7, 2019
Alexander Lyle Johnson, age 19, of Antigo, passed away Wednesday August 7, 2019 at Wausau Aspirus Hospital.
On Thursday August 1, Alex decided to take his own life by hanging. His father found him shortly after and started CPR, giving EMT's the ability to restore a pulse. Over the next few days it became apparent that he had severe brain damage and showed no signs consciousness.
Alex did not leave a note, consume alcohol or use drugs (legal or illegal.) And after interviews about his personal history, searches of his room, computer, accounts, and electronic devices and no changes to his behavior leading up to this event, the Police and his parents are at a loss to explain the sudden and overwhelming pain to his spirit that caused this tragic event.
Alex was born on July 14, 2000, in Antigo, the son of Curt and Maggie (Rosauer) Johnson. Alex was a 2018 graduate of Antigo high school and was currently a student at the University Wisconsin of Stevens Point attending the northern campus at Marathon County.
Alex was always very thoughtful, loving, gentle and kind with a great sense of humor and a generous spirit.
Years ago, Alex expressed his desire to be an organ and tissue donor just like his parents. On August 7, after an "Honor Walk Ceremony," a prayer was said and Alex's ventilator was removed and he passed away quickly and peacefully and his wishes of organ and tissue donation were fulfilled.
He will be profoundly missed by his parents; grandparents Jackie and Duane Rosauer; Louise Johnson (the late Lyle Johnson); and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2019, at the Bradley Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. followed by a service of remembrance at 1:05 p.m.
"The measure of one's life is not in what they accumulate but in what they give away."
Everyone please remember, that Alex's final decision on this earth was to give all that he had to help dozens upon dozens of people through the gift of Organ and Tissue Donation.
That is the boy Alex's parents always knew him to be, and the man they are very proud he became.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials in Alex's name may be directed to the: Organ Donation Education Fund at uwhealth.org/GiveHope
Tributes
"My heart breaks for you. I did not know your son but your tribute to him speaks of your love. Joan Ostermeier "
"Maggie & Curt, Our prayers are with you as you grieve the tragic death of Alex. May God surround you with family & friends who love and support you. Jody, Jon, Monica, Bryan & Becca Ebert"
"Dear Curt and Maggie, I am so sorry for the loss of Alex. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you and yours during this most sorrowful time. God Bless. "
"So sorry for your loss......thinking of both of you and praying for strength."
"My deepest sympathies. I don't know your family but I want to thank you for your honesty and openness concerning your son's death. I can only imagine your pain. I have lost several friends to suicide and almost my wife. People often seem afraid to talk frankly about suicide and that doesn't help those contemplating it or those left to pick up the pieces. I surely can't help with your loss but do know your honest obituary was appreciated. David Zalewski"
"I sat next to Alex at Lunch for 2 years in high school, I believe we even went to a Role Playing Convention with the others in our friend group once, but through it all, I never paid much attention to him. He always seemed the type of dude that was satisfied to not stick out in a crowd, only to occasionally pop-in a quick stroke of dark humor when the time was right. It was actually kind of annoying in an endearing sort of way. I never got to know Alex, and I admittedly never cared too. To be completely honest I had my own battle with suicidal thoughts to fight. I came out on the other side of the tunnel, but it's deeply saddening and confusing to see that Alex never got there. By now Maggie and Curt may be thinking it's their fault to some capacity, but really I don't think it ever is. All I can say for sure is that Alex was in a lot of pain. All-encompassing, hope-destroying pain. Pain that, just like physical pain can blur your vision and cause you to blackout.. spiritual and emotional pain can obstruct the sight of those it ails, to the point that they're so destroyed, and so desperate, that they can't see anything but absolute darkness. That pain, is what took Alex. That pain itself is what's at fault. It is borderline impossible-to-control at best, and invisible at worst. The fact that Alex made it as far as he did, no less while remaining a good student, is something I can say with confidence was a stroke of immeasurable strength and resolve. It's very possible, that on August 7th, had he gotten better, the world lost an extraordinarily respectable man-to-be. Maybe that's why I'm so confused. "
"I sat next to Alex at Lunch for 2 years in high school, I believe we even went to a Role Playing Convention with the others in our friend group once, but through it all, I never paid much attention to him. He always seemed the type of dude that was satisfied to not stick out in a crowd, only to occasionally pop-in a quick stroke of dark humor when the time was right. It was actually kind of annoying in an endearing sort of way. I never got to know Alex, and I admittedly never cared too. To be completely honest I had my own battle with suicidal thoughts to fight. I came out on the other side of the tunnel, but it's deeply saddening and confusing to see that Alex never got there. By now Maggie and Curt may be thinking it's their fault to some capacity, but really I don't think it ever is. All I can say for sure is that Alex was in a lot of pain. All-encompassing, hope-destroying pain. Pain that, just like physical pain can blur your vision and cause you to blackout.. spiritual and emotional pain can obstruct the sight of those it ails, to the point that they're so destroyed, and so desperate, that they can't see anything but absolute darkness. That pain, is what took Alex. That pain itself is what's at fault. It is borderline impossible-to-control at best, and invisible at worst. The fact that Alex made it as far as he did, no less while remaining a good student, is something I can say with confidence was a stroke of immeasurable strength and resolve. It's very possible, that on August 7th, had he gotten better, the world lost an extraordinarily respectable man-to-be. Maybe that's why I'm so confused. "
"Curt and Maggie, our hearts ache for you during this very sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Alex was a wonderful person and an excellent student ,and will be sadly missed by all of us that were lucky enough to know him! God Bless! "
"Maggie & Curt I just seen in the newspaper the loss of your son. I'm so sorry you both have to go threw this, In 2003 we lost our son J.C. our hearts hurt so bad & we still wonder why, Alex's loss will never be easy just tolerable in time. sending our Love & Hugs, Nadene & John Stegall"
"Maggie and Curt words cannot express how sorry we feel of the loss of your son. May God be with during this difficult time. Randy and Sandy Schmidt "
"Im so sorry for your tremendous loss. I didn't know alex at all but sounds like a great young man. What a beautiful tribute to him. Sending thoughts and prayers to you two that did a fine job raising him. "
"Because of Alex belonging to the TimeBank, I received a free home appraisal from Carol Berg, another member of the TimeBank. HE EARNED IT FOR ME! HE washed windows, and mowed lawn for a summer for a member of the TimeBank, and HE tutored a student that gave ME an opportunity to get a free home appraisal! He was such a giving, quiet, sweet young man. Many will remember him as being a smart, quiet, handsome, intelligent and giving individual. He will truly be missed! His life WAS a life of giving of self. His parents can be rightfully SO proud of him! I am so very sorry for your great loss! "
"Our family is praying for yours. Alex was a great friend for many years to Justin & Robert. He truly was a wonderful young man. "
"So sorry for your loss, very heartbreaking ???"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. God bless Alex and the lives he has touched."
"Curt and Family You have my deepest sympathies on the loss of your son. Keep the memories in your heart, and he will be with you forever. Mark Decker"
""Even the angels don't know why...." My heart goes out to you. I did not know Alex or the family. I graduated from Antigo High in ''74. At a time like this, only the best of memories will heal the worst of times. Condolences. Cindy C"
"I didn?t know Alex too well. My junior year of high school, I believe he was a freshman at this point, we had study hall together. He didn?t talk much but when he did it was always funny. He was the sweetest guy :) I remember his smile and eyes distinctly, they always had a kind of happy glow to them. I?m so sorry for your loss. "
"Had gym class in high school with Alex, and our names always matched up to be right next to each other in attendance lineup... Very sad to hear the news, my deepest condolences to your family!! "