Former Assembly Speaker Gary Johnson Dies At 68

BELOIT, Wis. -- Former Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Gary Johnson has died at his home in Madison at the age of 68.

The Democrat represented the Beloit area in the Wisconsin Assembly from 1970 to 1984, holding powerful positions as Assembly Speaker and chairman of the Joint Finance Committee.

State Sen. Judy Robson, of Beloit, said that Johnson was respected by all his colleagues and continued to advise some on their campaigns after he left the state Legislature and became a reading consultant.

Johnson taught social studies at Beloit Memorial High School before entering politics. Longtime school district employee Fran Fruzen said that he helped improve the teachers' union there and later helped pass legislation beneficial to teachers, such as a new retirement law.

Johnson is survived by his wife, Heather Johnson, and three sons.