John J. Johnsen Jr.

John J. Johnsen Jr., “The Captain” (74), of Rockton, IL passed away on October 26, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 23, 1948, in Moline IL, the son of John J. and Helen (Rohrer) Johnsen Sr..

John was a proud E-Rab, graduating in 1967. He served his country in the U.S. Navy onboard the USS Decatur during the Vietnam War. John had a 40 year career working for AT&T and its successors. He was an incredible craftsman who could build anything. He had a love/hate relationship with the Chicago Bears and Cubs. John was a league bowler with several 300 games. His love for fishing in Canada began at an early age and he felt everyone needed to experience this trip. Which lead to annual “guy trips” including his best friends and family. He loved the Great Outdoors and vacationed in Hayward, WI with his family. He and Joyce were frequent flyers to Las Vegas where they enjoyed everything Vegas entails. They were avid antique collectors and spent many weekends finding their treasures. He was legendary with his story telling and crude jokes. Over the last 10 years, his love and devotion for Joyce who is battling dementia/Alzheimer’s has gone unmatched. His care for her never wavered even while he battled cancer and other health issues. His impact is felt by many who will cherish his memory.

John is survived by his wife of 45 years, Joyce E. (Wicklund) Johnsen; daughters, Melissa (John) Hogan and Carrie (Jon) Priest; step-sons, Todd (Rachael) Reese and Chris (Kristin) Reese; grandchildren, Jared, Ben, Matthew, Reagan, Noah, Emmery, Ava, Alivia, Lyla, Briea and Harrison; sister and brother in law, Suanne (Larry) Davidson and nephews Jordan, Kyle and Chad. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Dean Robertson; brother-in-law, Z Markuson, and best friend and brother-in-law, Jim Easton.

Special Thank you to the staff at Anam Care and United Hospice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Prairie Street Brewing Company, 200 Prarie Street, Rockford, IL 61107 on January 7, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.  Memorials in John’s name may be made to Alzheimer’s Association- https://alz.org or Vietnam Veterans of America- https://vva.org. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com