Venice, FL - David Albert Johnson, 72, of Venice, Florida, passed away on February 18, 2026, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital Venice after a short battle with cancer.

Dave was born on March 9, 1953, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin to Sam and Edna (nee Bortz) Johnson. He was raised on a farm in the town of New Hope in Portage County, Wisconsin.

He graduated from Amherst High School (WI) in 1971 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1976. He later completed his MBA at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1982.

On April 16, 1983, Dave married Holly Johnson (née Ostoic) of Beloit, Wisconsin. Together they built a life, raised a family, and celebrated 40 years of marriage before Holly's passing, he carried her memory with him always.

Dave served as a summer camp counselor at his beloved Camp Mikquano in Nelsonville, Wisconsin from 1972 to 1978. He later taught and served as head basketball coach at Hustisford High School (WI) from 1977 to 1979 before pursuing graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Dave went on to build a successful career in management within the freight transportation industry, where he worked until his retirement in 2016.

An avid sports fan, Dave had a particular passion for high school athletics, especially basketball. Anyone who met him would quickly hear something about the game. For many years he was the scorekeeper for the Floyd Central High School (IN) basketball team — a role he cherished deeply. He was a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers and University of Wisconsin athletics.

Dave enjoyed spending time with his family & friends and loved to travel; he and Holly proudly visited all 50 states together.

Dave lived in Wisconsin for 38 years and in Indiana for 26 years, primarily in Floyds Knobs. In 2017, David and Holly retired to Venice, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Holly, his parents, Sam and Edna, and many cherished aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his sons, Kyle and Ryan, both of Chicago.

Arrangements will be announced at a future date.