Lorenz John Johnson

Lorenz John Johnson, 80, of Byron, IL, died peacefully on March 12, 2011 in his home surrounded by family. Born February 27, 1931 in Black Earth, WI, he was the son of the late Alfred and Augusta Johnson.
John lived the majority of his life in the Rockford area.nbsp; He retired from Amerock Corporation in 1996 after working 45 years as a Tool amp; Die maker. Shortly after retirement, he relocated to Byron, IL to a newly constructed home he and his sons built. He proudly served in the Army Infantry as a Sergeant during the Korean War. Here he perfected his famous potato salad and baked bean recipes.nbsp; John was a former member of the VFW.nbsp; He helped develop the Rock River Terrace Park Association and served on the board of directors for many years.
John loved working in his yard and tinkering in his garage.nbsp; He cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren, laughing, playing ball and taking golf cart rides to the river. He was an avid reader and finished many books sitting on his porch deck.nbsp; He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, riding his scooter and teasing his Grand-dogs.nbsp;
Survived by his wife, Mary Johnson, Cherry Valley, IL; Children, Tanya Johnson, Phoenix, AZ; Traci (Barb) Johnson, Byron, IL; Twana (Mark Wilson) Johnson. Rockford , IL; Step-children, Dale (Mary) Moyer, Rockford, IL; Cal Moyer. Cherry Valley, IL;nbsp; Siblings, Melvin (Kay) Johnson, Muscoda, WI; Lorna Johnson, Richland Center, WI; Lillian Doudna, Boaz, WI; Grandchildren, Sara (Eduardo) Huaracha,nbsp; Brandon Toedte; Samantha Mershon, all of Phoenix, AZ; Colton Johnson, Brock Johnson, of Byron IL; Step-grandchildren, Brittany (Elias) Monreal, Rockford, IL; Heather Moyer, NYC, NY; Jordon Moyer, Rockford, IL; Macy Adami, Rockford, IL.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Robert Johnson and the staff at Swedish American Medical Group, Byron and the Swedish American Oncology Staff.nbsp; A special thanks is extended to Visiting Nurses Association Hospice for the compassion and care they provided John and the teaching and support they provided our family; giving us confidence to nurture and care for our father during his final journey.
A celebration of Johns life will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford.nbsp; Visitation will be from 2:00pm-5:00pm with services immediately following.nbsp; In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center (Diffuse mantle cell lymphoma Research). 600 Highland Ave.; K-4/658, Madison, WI 53792 or online at www.uwhealth.org. To express condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com