Arlen Victor Johnson

Arlen V. Johnson, 78, of Hanna City passed away at his home on July 11, 2024. The second son of Albert Johnson and Viola (Miller) Johnson, he was born on V-J Day (Victory in Japan), August 14, 1945, the end of World War II, with middle name “Victor”. He was a 1963 graduate of Farmington High School.

Drafted, he served in Vietnam with the U.S. Army. Returning home, aware of a widening spectrum of cultures, he studied languages at Bradley University, graduating on the G-I Bill. At the Goethe Institute in, Vienna, Austria, he invested 11 years helping foreign students develop their language skills and his own appreciation for German Language/Culture, and making yearly trips home to Illinois for Spring planting. His association with the Peace Corps in Belize stretched to 6 years, teaching agriculture, and working in community development.

Arlen returned to the family farm, full time, in rural Hanna City in 1993. He married Elvira Faulkner on Dec. 7, 2002, both active in the Christ Church-Limestone (Stone Church) where their faith life grew together. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Roger, and his wife Elvira. He is survived by sister-in-law, Renatus Lorenz, and brother-in-law Peter Rogowski, both of Berlin, Germany, Also, sister-in-law Pat Johnson, brothers Gary (Barb) Johnson, Jay (Jackie) Johnson, a flock of Nieces and Nephews, a tribe of Cousins & Kinsmen, former classmates and a host of Friends and fellow Farmers.

He was a member of the German Club in Peoria for 20+ years where his appetite, language and social skills often kicked into high gear. Arlen savored his far-flung friendships, always ready with words of encouragement for new and old acquaintances. His accounts of family and the World spiced up many a discussion at different reunions. Arlen’s memory was a storehouse of data ready to access. Beethoven and Mozart, “friends” of his in Vietnam & Vienna, became frequent chums in his house: for visitors or while alone as the music rattled the windows throughout the house.

Arlen was a steward of the land and its produce, a caretaker of animals. He was in continual “thought process,” making things happen. He took up baking after his Mom died to provide family/ friends with pies on birthdays or Christmas, and at reunions. He’d glean roadside berry patches, picking/distributing fruit to neighbors and friends. Orphaned critters were cared for. He wrote ditties to sing in the field and recited poetry when the urge came. The Lord, in His Grace has blessed you, Arlen! He blessed by Gifting you to us as Friend and Brother. Fluent in 5 languages, your God-given gift of Service, your “love language” has been a treasured sentiment for many. And by your Faith you have touched many. We have been blessed.

There will be a private memorial service for Arlen at Christ Church-Limestone. A public Celebration of Life will be at the German-American Central Society, 7601 N Harker Dr, Peoria, IL. 61615 on Saturday, August 10, 2024 from 1-5pm. Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Christ Church-Limestone or to SAMS Rescue Animal Shelter at 328 S Pinkerton Rd, Hanna City, IL. 61536.

You may view Arlen’s obituary online at www.Davison-FultonBartonvilleChapel.com