Richard Johnson

OHIO, Ill. — Richard Edward Johnson, 85, of Ohio, Ill., passed away Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, at Mercy Health Hospital in Rockford, surrounded by loved ones.

Richard was born Dec. 1, 1933, to the late Edward and Bertha (Hanson) Johnson in Kewanee. He was a graduate of Ohio High School in Ohio, Ill., Class of 1951.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served his country as a radio operator from 1953 to 1955, when he was honorably discharged. He farmed his entire life, growing up on a farm, he eventually took over the family farm.

He married his wife of 46 years, Verna “Ginger” Watt on April 7, 1973, in Oak Lawn at the Church of Christ. They worked the farm together and started their family.

He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Ohio, Ill., for almost 70 years, serving many positions within the church including the Last Supper reenactment for many years. He was very active in his church.

He was on the Lee County Board, Lee County Merit Board, Lee County, Farm Bureau Board, East Grove Township Supervisor for more than 30 years and the Drainage District for more than 30 years.

Richard enjoyed fishing in any form, he enjoyed spear carping and his favorite fishing hole was at the Green River, a hobby he loved sharing with his son, Greg, and his brother, Kenneth. He enjoyed watching the military channel, and anything about World War II, farming and raising livestock ranging from geese, chickens, hogs, ducks and cattle. What he loved the most was spending time with his family and working the farm.

He is survived by his loving wife, “Ginger” Johnson of Ohio, Ill.; two children, a son, Greg Johnson of Loves Park, and one daughter, Jennifer Johnson of Ohio, Ill.; four sisters-in-law, Carolyn Johnson of Walnut, Arlene (Dave) Sladek of Evergreen Park, Carolyn Watt of Burbank and Deb (Glenn) Holzapfel-Watt of Gurnee; one brother-in-law, Kenneth Watt of Wilmington.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Kenneth Johnson.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at the First Lutheran Church in Ohio, Ill., with Pastor Gene Vincent officiating. A graveside service will follow at the Walnut Cemetery in Walnut.

Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, at the Norberg Memorial Home in Princeton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the First Lutheran Church in Ohio, Ill.

Online condolences may be left at www.norbergfh.com.