A Life Well Lived: Remembering Orland K. Johnson

A LIFE WELL LIVED

The purpose of life is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.

RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Orland K. Johnson

A lifelong supporter of Delta Tau Delta and the Educational Foundation, Brother Orland K. “O.K.” Johnson (Lawrence University, 1952) entered the Chapter Eternal earlier this summer. Fondly remembered for generously giving his time, talents, and treasure, O.K. was an emeritus member of the Wisconsin State Bar, in the banking industry for more than 40 years, and served the Delt Foundation in numerous ways, including as director on the Board and a member of the Executive Committee.

Recognized as an Al Sheriff Associate, O.K.’s devotion to the Educational Foundation began four years before its founding. Making his first gift to Delta Tau Delta in 1977, O.K. was a decorated donor and belonged to the Order of the C—, Bethany Society, and the Heritage Society.

Brother Johnson offered service to the Beta Gamma House Corporation to assure the chapter’s reestablishment at the University of Wisconsin and its continuation as a positive influence for young Delts seeking brotherhood, manhood, scholastic excellence, and leadership development. On Delta Nu’s 80th anniversary, O.K. was recognized by his alumni chapter for providing aid with skillful and passionate legal service when the chapter space was wrongfully challenged by the university.

Thanks to his many significant and continuous gifts of talent and treasure, O.K. was honored with the Foundation’s highest award, the Crystal Vision Award, for his service and generosity. Outside of the fraternal world, O.K. lent a helping hand to the Mequon Police Department K-9 Foundation, the Yell and Tell Foundation, and the District Attorney’s offices in Milwaukee and Ozaukee Counties. He also founded the Wisconsin Bankers Association Lawyers Drafting Team in 1964 that created numerous forms and instructions for use throughout Wisconsin.

O.K. believed that one’s “immortality” is best established by what he or she can accomplish for others in life, along with the importance of being true to oneself. He was extraordinarily generous and displayed optimism and kindness in all that he did.

CONTRIBUTIONS IN MEMORY OF ORLAND K. JOHNSON CAN BE MADE BY VISITING DELTS.ORG/GIVE.