Rufus "Rudy" Lewis Johnson

Rufus “Rudy” Lewis Johnson, Jr. was born in Chicago, Illinois and spent happy times with his parents, Lola and Rufus Johnson Sr., in Chicago and Grand Rapids, Michigan. He attended Grand Rapids City Schools and graduated from Parker High School in Chicago, Illinois.

From 1962 to 1968, Rudy served in the Army National Guard of Illinois, rising to the rank of Private, 1st Class. He was known for always handling security for events and relied on his experience with the Metropolitan Sanitary Police District of Chicago and Brink’s.

Rudy married his wife of over 40 years Lynne in Chicago, Illinois alongside many, many family members and close friends, including Phil Strong, Rudy’s friend for over 70 years. Rudy and Lynne enjoyed cruises, visits to numerous cities, and extended trips to Denmark, Sweden, and Hawaii.

Rudy and Lynne co-owned and operated a successful event company, in Chicago, Illinois. This was an ideal business for them that highlighted Rudy’s artistic eye and Lynne’s organizational leadership. They moved to Las Vegas in 2003, met many new and wonderful friends, and attended Mountain View Presbyterian Church.

They were passionate about having fun and celebrating as many occasions as possible with friends and family. Rudy and Lynne absolutely loved to host parties with a theme, selecting colors and creating unique logos that were introduced in the invitations and reflected in the decorations as well as the attendees’ suggested attire.

Rudy also liked to go the extra mile when decorating for the holidays and to spend time drawing lions for Lynne and landscapes. He was always excited to spot unique birds and admired horses of all breeds. This past fall, he began to sketch again, and finished several portraits that he shared with those who inspired him.

Favorite times included following granddaughter Halle’s school and ice skating achievements, playing trivia games, cards, and bingo, and, as a life-long and at times frustrated Bears and White Sox fan, watching almost any football or baseball game.

Rudy was preceded in death by his wife Lynne Hunter-Johnson. He is survived by his children, Stacy, James, and Jill; son-in-law Brian, granddaughter Halle, “daughter” Tricia, cousins, and a host of precious friends. Rudy would be very happy to know that his family and friends had a fabulous time at all the events that he and Lynne hosted with the goal to make each gathering special.

A virtual memorial service for Rudy will be held on March 23, 2025, beginning at 12pm PDT, 1pm MDT, 2pm CST and 3pm EDT.

A link to this virtual service is below and will activate about 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the service.