Everyday Heroes: Mike Johnson

Mike Johnson wears many different hats, including memorial squad member, Santa Claus and prison guard tour guide.

When Johnson retired, he decided to use his time and volunteer around Joliet. In 2007, he saw an article in The Herald-News that the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery needed volunteers for its memorial squad and thought it would be a good fit. Johnson is an Army veteran.

That was his first step into the volunteer world, as he joined the Friday memorial squad. These daily squads, mostly military veterans, attend funerals at the cemetery, and Johnson said the two squads on Fridays alone can attend anywhere from 12 to 22 services, about 700 a year, in the rain, snow or sweltering heat.

“Everybody gets the same service whether prince or pauper; we have seen funerals with hundreds of people and some with no one,” Johnson said. “I am fortunate to do it; it adds a lot to the funeral, and the families appreciate it. It’s a good way to say goodbye – let the family know their loved one’s service was appreciated.”

Mike Mahoney of the Friday memorial squad said Johnson tries to keep the squad going, as Fridays at the cemetery have historically been among the busiest days for burial services.

“From fatigue of doing so many services, to witnessing how families deal with their loss, it can be exhausting some days. Mike’s personality keeps the spirits of the squad up. He can relate to almost anyone and is constantly watching his squad for signs of fatigue, whether it’s weather-related or medically-related,” Mahoney said. “Mike is someone I would call a patriot, in the true sense of the meaning of the word. He’s not flashy, and he’s definitely someone who does his task at Abraham Lincoln for all the right reasons.”

Johnson, a history lover, also became a docent and tour guide at the Joliet Area Historical Museum, and, when the Old Joliet Prison began tours, Johnson was asked to be a guide there as well. As a former guard at the prison, Johnson said he would add his own spin to the information, including a little history of what he experienced. In 2019, he was asked to lead specific guard tours twice per month. JAHM Executive Director Greg Peerbolte said those tours sold out each time.

“We were trying to strategize ways to get return business and customers, so the guard tours offered a different perspective of the prison. Mike helps diversify tour offerings,” Peerbolte said. “At the museum, we have people specifically request Mike to lead or present; he’s an in-demand person.”

Johnson said he always liked history, and that’s what has interested him most with the Old Joliet Prison.

“I feel fortunate that people listen to the history but also my part of my history from the 1980s and 1990s when I worked there,” Johnson said. “Just about every building I walk by, something happened and it goes through my brain.”

During the holiday season, the Army veteran and former prison guard transforms into Santa for various animal charities and pet rescues. His wife, a photographer, travels with him to take photos.

Johnson said when he retired young, he knew he would give back.

“I knew I was very fortunate and in a good position, where I was able to volunteer and give back to the community. I volunteer to do things I really like, and everything I do is a team effort. There are a lot of great people involved in the cemetery, museum and animal rescues,” Johnson said.