August
23,
1921
23,
1921
November
23,
2014
23,
2014
William Russell Johnson, 93, of Sandwich, Illinois passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on November 23, 2014. Bill was born on August 23, 1921 in Tiskilwa, Illinois. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps in World War II and the Korean War. He graduated from Knox College in Galesburg Illinois before moving to Glen Ellyn where he began his career in education. He achieved advance degrees from Stetson University and Reed College. He was a biology teacher, Dean of Students and football coach at Glenbard West High School until his retirement in 1985. Bill was a cowboy at heart and was never happier than when he was on horseback or in later years riding his tractor. He was President of Equine Dreams Therapeutic Riding Center where he was actively involved since it’s creation in 1996. Following his retirement from education, he worked as a greeter for the Plano Walmart for over 20 years. He was a Marine, a coach, an avid reader, a loyal friend, loving father and grandfather, and devoted husband. He appreciated a firm handshake, a decent Irish whiskey and a good cigar.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joanne Davis Johnson , Sandwich, Il. daughters Sara Johnson, Aurora, Il., Kim (Paul) Ratterman, Pewee Valley, Ky., JoAnna (Brian)Ruddy, Aurora, Il., Libby (Doug Cheatham)Scanlan, Sugar Grove, Il. Grandchildren: Jordan and Audrey Ruddy, Nick, Maggie, Jack and Brendan Scanlan, and Rebecca and Will Ratterman, many friends, especially Dale St Clair, and of course , his crazy cat, Otto.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Oskar Johnson, his sister Lucille Henson, his in-laws, Frank and Kathryne Davis, and his son-in-law Jay Scanlan.
There will be a memorial mass at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church , 8 South 055 Dugan Rd, Sugar Grove, on Friday November 28, at 3 PM followed by a proper celebration of the extraordinary life of “ Wild Bill” at the Scanlan /Cheatham residence , Sugar Grove, IL.
A special thank you to Bill’s caregivers Amy Daly and Denis Kyabaggu, Newsome Home Health, and the staff of Guiding Light Hospice who together allowed Bill to spend his final months comfortably at home surrounded by his family.
Memorial donations can be made to: Equine Dreams Therapeutic Riding Center (Equinedreams.org), or Guiding Light Hospice, P.O. box 124, Serena, IL 60549.
Semper Fi.
For more information go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com
Turner-Eighner Funeral Home
13160 W. RT 34
Somonauk, IL 60552
815 498-2363
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joanne Davis Johnson , Sandwich, Il. daughters Sara Johnson, Aurora, Il., Kim (Paul) Ratterman, Pewee Valley, Ky., JoAnna (Brian)Ruddy, Aurora, Il., Libby (Doug Cheatham)Scanlan, Sugar Grove, Il. Grandchildren: Jordan and Audrey Ruddy, Nick, Maggie, Jack and Brendan Scanlan, and Rebecca and Will Ratterman, many friends, especially Dale St Clair, and of course , his crazy cat, Otto.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Oskar Johnson, his sister Lucille Henson, his in-laws, Frank and Kathryne Davis, and his son-in-law Jay Scanlan.
There will be a memorial mass at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church , 8 South 055 Dugan Rd, Sugar Grove, on Friday November 28, at 3 PM followed by a proper celebration of the extraordinary life of “ Wild Bill” at the Scanlan /Cheatham residence , Sugar Grove, IL.
A special thank you to Bill’s caregivers Amy Daly and Denis Kyabaggu, Newsome Home Health, and the staff of Guiding Light Hospice who together allowed Bill to spend his final months comfortably at home surrounded by his family.
Memorial donations can be made to: Equine Dreams Therapeutic Riding Center (Equinedreams.org), or Guiding Light Hospice, P.O. box 124, Serena, IL 60549.
Semper Fi.
For more information go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com
Turner-Eighner Funeral Home
13160 W. RT 34
Somonauk, IL 60552
815 498-2363
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