Arthur Norman Johnson was born at Morrisonville, Dane County, Wisconsin, in 1890. Prior to earning his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Wisconsin in 1915, he farmed in his home town. After graduation, he taught vocational agriculture and served as principal at Mukwonago High School in Waukesha County. In 1917, he left Mukwonago to enlist in the Army. He was commissioned a lieutenant of the artillery, but the war ended before he could go overseas. In 1919, Johnson joined the faculty at the River Falls Normal School (now the University of Wisconsin-River Falls) where he taught dairy classes and animal husbandry. Johnson completed his academic studies in 1932, when he earned his Master of Science degree at Iowa State University. Johnson remained on the faculty at River Falls until his retirement in 1960. During this time he served thirty years as manager of the college farm, and spent an equal amount of time on the college's Athletic Council, nine as chairman.
Though his college-related duties were many, Johnson also donated his time to the Boy Scouts, Masons, Wisconsin Council of Agricultural Cooperatives, American Legion, Wisconsin Alumni Association, and Ezekiel Lutheran Church. After World War II, Johnson was appointed by Governor Rennebohm to the Veterans Recognition Program, a veterans affairs board designed to assist servicemen in educational training to re-enter society. After his retirement, he served as River Falls City Forester.
In 1919, Johnson married Edith Stuart, and the couple had two children, a son, Norman, and a daughter, Margaret. Johnson died on September 26, 1973.
