Ralph Joseph Johnson

We are saddened to announce the passing of our Dad, Ralph Joseph Johnson Jr on May 31st in Pensacola FL. He was born on August 9, 1936 and raised in Chicago until he followed his heart for a life outside of the city and our family moved to a small farm town in Northern Illinois. We are grateful that he knew what was best for us! Ralph attended Lane Tech High School and the Illinois Institute of Technology and worked as a Purchasing Manager at Ryerson Steel until his retirement.

Ralph was an environmentalist even before it was popular and a true farmer at heart. He was always happiest working in his garden and on his many projects during his spare time. He was a devoted naturalist who loved hiking, bird watching and avidly following the migration of white cranes across the states. Following his retirement, dad started his own recycling and leaf pick-up business which kept his interests thriving. Ralph also loved teaching children, especially his grandchildren, about the history of the pioneers by sharing his knowledge of the use of early food production machinery, which he often built himself. He demonstrated the use of these tools for many years at the annual Trail of History exhibit in McHenry, IL. We loved seeing his traditional outfits and enthusiasm as he encouraged adults and children to participate in processing corn and sorghum themselves. Dad was a strong supporter in the revitalization of the historic Palmer House in Crystal Lake and loved attending their annual Christmas and 4th of July celebrations.

Ralph had a heart for serving others and spent many years delivering meals to the elderly through Meals on Wheels, along with treats for the many dogs that he met along the way. He was a wonderful story-teller and always loved a good joke. He had a creative and resourceful mind that never stopped and had a deep faith that flourished at the Resurrection Center in McHenry and in his later years at Liberty Church in AL and Grand Parkway Baptist Church in Texas. His laughter, smile and warm heart will be missed by all!

Ralph is survived by his brother, James Johnson and the mother of his children, Susan Lukas. He is also survived by his children Jeffrey, Leslie (Frierdich), Kristopher, Jennifer (Fuchs) and Alyssa (Aavang), and ten grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Marie and his daughter Blythe.

In lieu of a memorial service, we will be honoring Ralph with an intimate family ceremony back on his beloved farm. In the words often used by our dear dad, “Talk to you later, bye now”.

Memorial contributions may be made to www.seniorserviceassoc.org.donate/