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Gary D. Johnson

Gary D. Johnson

TAMPICO – Gary D. Johnson, 77, of Tampico, died Thursday, May 31, 2018, at Rock River Hospice & Home in Sterling.

He was born Oct. 27, 1940, in Sterling, the son of Donald and Doris (Gibson) Johnson. He attended Prophetstown elementary schools, and was a 1958 graduate of Prophetstown High School. He also attended a short course in agriculture at the University of Illinois.

Gary married Joan Olson on July 28, 1962, at Tampico United Methodist Church. Gary has been engaged in farming all his life. He also was active in many community activities, the ball program in Tampico from 1967 to 2000; a member of the board of directors of the Whiteside County Farm Bureau; board of directors of the Whiteside County Farm Services Agency; Tampico Lions Club; president of Tampico Cemetery Association; a member of the Antique Engine & Tractor Association, Tampico Community Club, Tampico Area Historical Society, Tampico Area Long Range Planning Committee, Christmas in the Country, Tampico United Methodist Church youth programs, and many mission projects. He was a former facilities committee member of Wesley Woods Methodist Camp in Wisconsin, and was named Whiteside County Republican Volunteer of the Year for 2016. He enjoyed being with his grandchildren and nieces and nephews and attending all their activities as was possible. His pride and joy was driving his antique 1950 Oliver 66 in parades. For more than 50 years, he has been pleased to share Christmas joy with the surrounding communities by decorating the farm yard with more than 100 lighted figures and other displays. He was a great sports enthusiast, and did his best to make it to as many local school ball games as possible.

Survivors include his wife, Joan; two sons, Terry (Gabriela) Johnson of Rockford and Kelly (Carrie) Johnson of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin; four grandchildren, Michaela, Miranda, Addison and Andrew; and his sister, Shirley (Douglas) Jensen of Prophetstown.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dwight.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Tampico United Methodist Church. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the church, with the Rev. Leann Keate officiating. Burial will be at Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Garland Funeral Home in Tampico is handling arrangements.

A memorial will be established.

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