Ronald James Johnson
Of Joliet, passed away Saturday evening, July 6, 2024 at Ascension Saint Joseph Medical Center. Age 95 years.
On March 6, 1929, Ron was born to Elmer and Lillian Johnson in Duluth, MN, where he was raised along with his brother Glen and sister Kathleen. He attended Duluth Denfeld High School and received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Ron is also a proud veteran having served in the United States Marie Corps Reserves from 1951-1953. He was the beloved husband of Marilyn (nee Buccanero) who he married on May 1, 1954. The two moved to Joliet in 1962, where Ron spent 31 years working for the E.J. & E. Railroad until his retirement in 1993.
Ron was a devout member of Our Savior Lutheran Church where his faith served as an important foundation in his life. After retirement he enjoyed spending long hours working in his garden—even sometimes later in life when he was explicitly told not to. And he was an avid fan of the Packers, Cubs and Blackhawks. Ron was happiest, however, when he was in the company of his family and friends and sharing a meal, a drink, a story and a good laugh. He will be dearly missed by all those that knew and loved him.
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Ron is survived by his wife of 70 years Marilyn B. Johnson, their children Kristen Benarcik, Neil Johnson, Andrea (Larry) Sheppard, Jennifer (Scott) Tudor and Matthew (Gina) Johnson and five grandchildren Troy, Luke, Kate, Senia and Evan.
He was preceded in death by his father Elmer, mother Lillian, brother Glen, sister Kathleen Olson and daughter-in-law Julie.
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A heartfelt thank you to Our Savior Lutheran Church for the spiritual support and guidance that was provided to Ron throughout the years, and to the staff at Story Point Romeoville for the compassionate care given to Ron in his final days.
Lying in state at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1910 Black Road, Friday, July 12th from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Rev. Matthew Carlson officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials to Our Savior Lutheran Church or AbleLight, 600 Hoffman Dr. Watertown, WI. 53094 will be appreciated. Private interment will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at a later date. Funeral services entrusted to Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory. For information please call (815) 744-022 or visit www.CHSFUNERAL.com
