Obit of Francis Johnson

Francis Johnson, 97, of Saunemin, passed away Thursday, June 22, 2017 at 3:40 p.m. at Evenglow Lodge Tjardes Health Center in Pontiac. His service will be held Monday, June 26, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cullom with Reverend Dr. Richard Riley officiating. Burial will follow at Sunny Slope Cemetery in Saunemin. Visitation will be Sunday, June 25, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home in Pontiac. Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, Pontiac, is in charge of arrangements. Francis was born January 13, 1920 in Charlotte, IL to John and Elsena (Gerjets) Johnson. He married Mary Lehmann on September 21, 1941 in St. Charles, MO. She passed away March 30, 2015. He is survived by his sons, Francis (Joanne) Johnson, Jr. of Whitefish Bay, WI, Eric (Joan) Johnson of Saunemin, IL, and David Johnson of Sugar Grove, IL; daughter, Eileen Immke of Saunemin, IL; sister, Fannie Diemer of Pontiac, IL; grandchildren, Marianne Johnson, Chris Johnson, Scot Immke, Shannon Prewitt, Kirk Johnson, Kent Johnson, and Evan Johnson; and seven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary; two brothers; and one sister. Francis attended Star School in rural Saunemin. He served in the United States Army from 1942 to 1945 with the 67th Signal Battalion in France, Germany, Belgium, and the Philippines. He went on the Peoria Honor Flight for veterans to Washington D.C. in 2015. Francis was a lifelong farmer and also worked on the Norfolk and Western Railroads. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cullom, IL and the Saunemin American Legion. Francis was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. Memorials may be made Saunemin Fire and Rescue and Peoria Honor Flight.