Burt Edward Johnson

Burt Johnson, 83, passed away peacefully at home in Prescott, AZ, on February 14, 2025, surrounded by the loving care of his caregivers, Valerie, Rosetta, and Maria; his special friend, Carolyn; and his hospice nurse, Bill.

Born on December 4, 1941, to Clarence and Margaret Johnson in Marquette, Michigan, Burt married Darlene Clauson at Temple Baptist Church in Rockford, IL, on December 8, 1962. They shared 55 wonderful years together and celebrated their 50th anniversary on their favorite Hawaiian island, Maui, with their two sons and their families. Burt and Dolly made friends everywhere they lived and always contributed to the betterment of their communities.

In the early 1960s, Burt followed his brother Don Johnson to Rockford, IL, to work at Dahlgren & Johnson. Soon after, their younger brother Gary Johnson joined them, followed by their parents. Motivated by his entrepreneurial spirit, Burt set out on his own, working his way up to Vice President of Special Machine, Vice President of Dial Machine, and co-owner and Vice President of Patterson Gear and Machine.

Burt and Dolly retired for the first time in the spring of 1989, but not for long. Burt’s drive and curiosity led him to a new challenge, gathering investors to build the Rochelle, IL Petro Stopping Center. After serving as President of the Petro and of the Board of Directors for several years, he was encouraged to retire again—but it didn’t stick! His final business venture was as owner and President of Abrasive Machine in Rockford, IL. After nearly five years there, Burt was finally ready to retire officially.

Burt’s heart for others extended beyond business. He was instrumental in bringing the Transport For Christ Mobile Chapel to the Petro campus, a spiritual outreach program that, through the dedication of Jay and Karen Lorette, has touched thousands of lives over the past 30 years. In lieu of flowers or gifts to the family, the Johnson family encourages donations to keep the mission of Transport For Christ rolling at the Rochelle, IL Petro Stopping Center. Donations can be made to TFC Global Rochelle, in care of Jay Lorette.

Burt is survived by his two sons, David (Bobbie Johnson) and Ronald (Corey Johnson); grandson Mathew Johnson; granddaughters Lily and Samantha Johnson; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his dear wife, Dolly; parents, Clarence and Margaret Johnson; brothers Don and Gary Johnson; and his grandson Michael Johnson.

Go Pack Go!

Funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, February 28, 2025 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road with visitation from 11:00 - 12:45pm prior to funeral service. Burial will take place in Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. Express condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.