Michael F. Johnson

Michael F. Johnson, 78, went to be with Jesus after a long battle with cancer on Friday, August 18, 2023, at home surrounded by his family. Mike was born to Marie Kent and Robert Johnson on October 9, 1944, in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin. He was raised in Wisconsin and Menominee, Michigan. As a young man, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Superior until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for four years. Mike was very proud to serve in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota and then at Clark AFB in the Philippines for a year. He met Darlene Chandler on a blind date, and they married six months later, a marriage that lasted 56 years. They were blessed with three wonderful daughters, 9 grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.

Mike loved the Lord, taught Sunday School, and was on a staff at First Presbyterian Church in Belvidere, Il. He was active in the Gideons ministry, speaking at churches in the area for many years. Mike graduated from college in elementary education with a Master’s degree in elementary administration. He first came to Belvidere and taught at Perry School where he went on to become the principal there for several years. He then felt God calling him to Christian Life Schools where he wore many hats in administration and teaching for 25 years. For over 30 years he enjoyed teaching students as well as coaching basketball and golf.

He loved the Green Bay Packers and was their biggest fan. He would tell anyone that would listen that he ‘bled green and gold.’ He also loved the game of golf. He learned to play at 16 and competed in high school, college, the military, and many area tournaments. He was inducted into the Rockford Golf Hall of Fame in 2007. Mike and his golfing buddy, Lloyd McWilliams, worked together at the Park District teaching kids and adults alike. His goal recently was to putt at the golf course once again, and with the help of Hospice, he was able to do that and did it well.

Mike loved life and was a happy man despite all his medical issues. He would always look to Jesus to help him through it. He was a loving husband, father, Papa, and great-grandfather and will be missed very much. We can rest knowing he fought the good fight and is at peace now with Jesus. He has probably found Lloyd for a round of golf!

Mike is predeceased by his parents, stepfather, George Kent; sister, Michele Garcia and sister, Katherine Johnson.

Mike is survived by his wife; daughters Carrie (Andy) Snell; Cheryl (Brent) Hayes; and Mandy (Luke) LeFevre; his brother Robert (Sara) Johnson; Grandchildren Zachariah (Ellen), Caleb (Grace), and Nathan Hayes; Rebekah and Andrew Snell; Adelyn, Greyson, Isaac, and Emery LeFevre; and great-granddaughter Hallelujah Hayes. He is also survived by his stepfamily Betty (Jim) Hutchinson, Tom (Margo) Kent, Pat (Bob) Varda, and Roberta (Craig) Connelly.

Special thanks to Northern Illinois Hospice for the wonderful care they gave Mike.

A visitation will be held Monday, August 28th, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Stateline Church, 601 N Perryville Road, Rockford, IL, 61107. Service will be held the following morning, Tuesday August 29th, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Stateline Church. A private burial is to follow.

For those unable to attend the service will be available online at https://youtube.com/live/jVHtnXwSTM0?feature=share

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mike’s favorite charities; Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, PO Box 12268, Newport News, VA 23612, Saint Jude Children's Hospital, or the Gideon's International, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC, 20090. To send online condolences and share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com