Leo Evar Johnson

LEO EVAR JOHNSON, 93, Rockford, went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at River Bluff Nursing Home, enveloped in the love of his family. Leo was a New Year's baby, born January 1,1926, to Gustav Johnson and his beloved mother, Amanda (Larson) Johnson. Leo served in the Navy during World War II on the USS Yorktown, and was proud of the privilege to fight for and help protect this country.
He was a true patriot his entire life. On October 25, 1947, Leo married the love of his life, Gloria (Hansey) Johnson, and together they shared nearly 72 amazing years never away from each other's side, and brought four children into the world. He was self-sacrificing, loving, funny, witty, and loyal, and taught his children and grandchildren honesty, ethics, humor, the benefits of hard work, and love of God, country and family. This legacy will live on for generations to come. He retired from Industrial Oil & Chemical Company after 40 years, was a member of Riverside Community Church, and he and his wife,
Gloria, traveled extensively having visited all 50 states.
Leo leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Gloria, son, Thomas (Linda) Johnson of Glendale, Arizona, daughters, Kathleen (Bruce) Erickson, Susan (Dale) July, and Tammy (Greg) Poulisse all of Rockford. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren, Zachary (Lara) Johnson, Cody (Rebecca) Johnson, Adam (Nicole) Johnson, Christopher (Lori) Erickson, Jennifer (Erik) Pierson, Jeremy (Megan) Erickson, David (Valerie) July, Bryan (Renee) July, Jacob (Katrina) Poulisse, Daniel (Melissa Steines) Poulisse, Nicholas Poulisse, and Matthew (Jessica Doering) Poulisse, and 16 great-grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his parents, his brothers, Leslie, Ernest, and Bertil Johnson; his sisters Lillian Stowe and Ellen Greenfield. Also waiting for him in heaven were his three grandsons, Chad Erickson, Eric July and Timothy Poulisse. He will be forever missed. Forever remembered. Forever loved.
A Celebration of his Life will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, April 26, 2019, in Riverside Community Church, 6816 N. Second Street, Loves Park, IL with Pastor Bobby Sheets officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service on Friday at the church. Burial will be private at a later date. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, 61108. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a memorial to be established.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at River Bluff Nursing Home, especially, Tammy, Candy and Suzanne, and his special CNA, Tori, for their kind and compassionate care for Leo and their continued care for Gloria. Their kindness and care will never be forgotten. Also special thanks to Heartland Hospice, especially Rose, for their kindness and care. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.