Edward M. Johnson, who for 30 years championed the causes of Wisconsin cities and villages in the State Capitol, is dead at the age of 82.
Johnson was executive director of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities in 1955-1984 and later lobbied for the University of Wisconsin-Madison faculty. He would have reached his 83rd birthday April 4.
He was found dead in his Madison apartment Monday. A memorial service is being planned for a later date.
“Ed gave lobbying a good name,” said Harvey Breuscher, former communications director for the University of Wisconsin System, who worked with Johnson on UW issues.