Gerald Johnson
FAIRBURY – Gerald F. Johnson, 80 of Fairbury, passed away peacefully at 12:33 p.m., Monday, January 7, 2019 at his home surrounded by his family.
A visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury. Cremation rites have been accorded and a private family inurnment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Fairbury Fire Dept., St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Dana Fire Dept.
Gerald was born April 1, 1938 in Blackstone, a son of Jay and Leona (Hansen) Johnson. He married Mary Jamison on April 4, 1958 in Woodbine, GA. In April 2018, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. She survives in Fairbury.
Other survivors include his two daughters, Diana (Rick) Hakes of Minonk and Sandra (Bradley) Crane of Forrest; five grandchildren, Megan (Brian) Tremel, Brett (Allie) Crane, Taylor (Cody Vos) Crane, Jenna (Jay) Simmons, Lesley Hakes; four great-grandchildren; three sisters; Irene (Robert ) Burris of Roanoke, Marsha (James) Lowery of Wentzville, MO, Karen (Brad) Hall of Chenoa; one brother, Ronald (Jean) Johnson of Dana; and a sister-in-law, Sharon Johnson of Dana.
He is preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Dorothy and three brothers, Wayne, Ralph and Kenneth.
Mr. Johnson attended Sunbury Grade School and Dwight High School. He managed Blackstone Grain Co. from 1965-1971, then co-owned and managed Dana Grain Co. for 28 years until his retirement in 1999. During his time working, he was a member of the Illinois Grain Dealers. He moved to Fairbury following his retirement in 2000 and enjoyed helping farm on Crane Farms.
He was a volunteer firefighter with the Dana Fire Dept. and served as trustee for over 25 years with the department. He served on the Board at Tall Oaks Country Club, Toluca and was a member of the Indian Creek Golf and Country Club, Fairbury.
A guest registry is available at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.
