So sorry to hear the news. My heart goes out to you all. I had the opportunity to interview with Jerry for a leadership position. He was so very kind and supportive and a very wise counsel. I can still remember the words he shared with me regarding leadership. May you  remember all the great memories and love he shared with you. 

Grace and Peace,

Pam Armstrong

Jerry was a such an amazing leader and a great mentor to me.   He always treated me the way he wanted his daughters to be treated in their careers.  I learned so much from him.  
One memory that I adore:  we were holding the annual sales meeting in Orlando and had rented MGM for the night, just for the Haworth team.  Jerry went on the Tower of Terror non-stop — maybe 15 time in a row!  It was a treat to see the little kid in him.  
My condolences to you Gayle and the whole clan.

To summarize my grandfather in 2000 characters proved to be impossible...

Please read here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-4yP4qj4u9ULh_OR3JxPJiMfj5YmrhNkL8OZipRkwi4/edit?usp=sharing

This is a tough one to write - I’m not sure if grandpa can be summed up in <2000 characters. There is a verse in the Bible that goes something like “Build and they will come.” And that’s exactly what grandpa did. He built a home for his 5 children, wife Grandma Gayle, grandkids, and extended family. Grandpa’s home was filled with unwavering support; you knew he was always your #1 supporter. He built a home based off of the values of integrity, loyalty, humor, and family. I don’t know if I can say many people have impacted my life in the way Grandpa has and his phone calls, words of advice, and support will be deeply missed. I hope heaven welcomed you with a glass of Bordeaux wine and Dove chocolate bar - you deserve it.

It was a pleasure to have shared a few years of my life with Jerry.  He was always of great counsel and support.

Thank God for the life of Gerald B. Johanneson.
Today the Johanneson family will say final goodbye to Jerry, a gentleman tremendously dedicated to his wife, Gayle, his children, and his grandchildren.  
I was privileged to be a member of the Haworth family in support of Jerry as his assistant for many years. Most of all, I am thankful to have been welcomed into the Johanneson family.  My heart is pains for each and every one of you.  
Eternal rest grant unto Jerry, may his soul and the souls of all his departed family members rest in rest in peace, Amen
Fondly,
Marianne Orzehoski

uncle gerald is one of my biggest role models in life. he taught me so many life lessons that i will forever cherish. uncle gerald is the example of if you work hard enough and stay dedicated to your work you will accomplish your goals in life, and he has given me so many opportunities in my life that i am forever grateful for. i am so fortunate to have had him in my life for the past 17 years. the annual margaritas lunches followed by a boat ride will always hold a special place in my heart. uncle gerald means the world to me but most importantly to my grandpa. their relationship has shown me how important family is to each other and they demonstrate to me the importance of keeping your loved ones close. i do believe that uncle gerald is now my guardian angel watching over me, and the rest of our family. my favorite memory with uncle gerald is from when i was just a little girl at his house eating ice cream bars with him and talking about what i wanted to be when i grow up when i was a little girl i told him i wanted to be a mom and that’s all i ever dreamed of, but then the last memory i shared with him is talking about my future with him all grown up, and talking about how my plans have changed. i love you forever and miss you so much uncle gerald❤️

I met Jerry long time ago during his Haworth travel/business visits to Portugal, being at that time a young engineer present in the meetings where he was an inspiration with his insights always filtering and highlighting the important things.
One day I mention to him of the difficulties to get some technical/business books, was with surprise that some months later received a box with 32 books, demonstrating is generosity and caring, still today an unforgettable presence in my memory. 

My prayers are with all his family.

Sorry to hear about Jerry's passing.

It was a previledge to get to know and work with Jerry in Haworth, he was an inspired and remarkable leader with wisdom, keen intelligence  and charisma, he deeply touch me.

With respect, from the other side of the Atlantic,

José Amaral

My heart goes out to Jerry’s wife and family. I had the pleasure to meet and interview with Jerry in 1993, since I was going to work international. Jerry was a great visionary and grew Haworth internationally. RIP

Gayle and Family, I am so sorry for your loss.  I will always remember the conversations I had with Jerry during my tenure at Haworth.  Even with his busy schedule,  Jerry always found time to talk.  I will keep the Johanneson family in my thoughts and prayers.  May God comfort all of you at this difficult time.

Jerry was a special person. Always well liked and respected. We will miss you.

Peter

Uncle Gerald has inspired me to do so much, he has inspired me to work harder, be a better person, and so much more. He always knew how to make me laugh and smile. from the time that I was really little to now I have gone on his boat and to lunch with him when we come down to Florida for spring break and winter break. He is very generous to me, my sister, my cousins, and everyone. I love all of the memories that we have made and will never forget them. I love him so much and I will miss him forever.

Family starts from those who they have had to role model after, over the years. The legacy Gerald is leaving behind is remarkable. The love and lessons he gave his family, created one we all should follow. The first time I met Gerald was over 22 years ago when Chris and I stayed at his townhouse in Lely. To share his second home with us was so kind and meeting him and Gayle at their home on Marco was truly spectacular. We shared nicest dinner sitting at the round table. The conversation was easy and I never met such a humble person to have created such a beautiful life. The love and respect they shared was one to appreciate. Over the years visiting and enjoying dinner, wine, and boat rides will be a gift that is cherished by my family and our kids. They too will enjoy sharing someday with their families. I love you and will forever miss your presence.

Uncle Gerald, There are not words that can begin to describe the emotion of your passing that I and some many feel.  You have taught and instilled in me the importance of family, love, humility and generosity.  The times spent together when I was young and you would visit our family in Naperville and we would visit you and Aunt Gayle in Holland to Marco Island.  These memories and experiences I will forever cherish, look back on and remember how lucky I was to be blessed with these times together.  I wish there was more time, time is precious and you taught me to live life to its fullest without regret.  God has called you to be our angel and how blessed we are to have you watching over and guiding us.  

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for abundance of blessings, watch over our family as we mourn the passing of Gerald.  Give us the same strength and love he had, so that we can support each other and carry forward for generations to come the spirit and excitement of life he embodied.  Amen.

Always curious and engaging... an extraordinary man with a kind spirit and a love of life that I  will never forget ❤️ lea

Over the years, Uncle Gerald has been a light and a role model in my life. He has guided me on this path to success and I have learned so much from him. He was such an inspiration and someone that I aspire to be and take after as I grow up. When we would come down to Marco Island in the spring, it was always a tradition to go to lunch at his favorite restaurant, Margaritas, and then go out on his boat. Something about Gerald’s boat has always been so special to me, and my favorite memories with him were made there. I will always remember Gerald as the most generous, compassionate, and intelligent person to be around, always giving the best advice and willing to sit and talk with you for so long. I will forever cherish the relationship and wonderful memories I got to make with him and am so glad I was able to know him for as long as I did and have someone like him to look up to in my life.

Dear Gayle, so sorry to hear that Jerry passed away!  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!  It was a great pleasure to work with Jerry for many years at Haworth!  Jerry was not only a great leader, but a caring friend! Jerry will certainly be missed!
Eric & Jayne Ruffner

I worked with Jerry for over a decade on the AGCO Board of Directors.   When I joined the Board in 2004, Jerry went out of his way to teach me a lot about the history of AGCO and it’s Board.  That served me well over my 17+ years on the Board. And I totally  enjoyed Jerry’s friendship and respected his ideas. Thank you, Jerry!  Rest In Peace…

George

P. George Benson

What can you say about Jerry that hasn't already been mentioned.  We feel proud to say Jerry was our friend.  His love of life was unparalleled.  He was always there to offer his quick wit, his extraordinary knowledge and to ALWAYS let you know he cared deeply.
Continue to watch over Gayle and the family as you did while here on earth.
Rest in peace dear friend.  You have fought the battle and now it's time to fly with the angels in Gods holy presence.
Love you always, Tom & Harlene Habel

He was the epitome of intelligence, kindness, support, generosity, and love. As his son, I feel like the luckiest person alive to have had him in my life. His love for his family was unparalleled, and he deeply impacted the lives of many. He was fully invested in the lives of my children, his grandchildren, making us all better and supporting us unconditionally. One of the most powerful moments of my life was hearing him express his pride in me, for he was the one who taught me how to be the man I am today. His legacy of love and guidance will forever live on in our hearts. Rest in peace, Dad. You will be deeply missed. I love you forever.

Uncle Gerald,
You were truly an inspiration to me and my family. The memories we shared are treasures we will remember for a lifetime. From the boat rides on Marco, the lunches at Margaritas to the unforgettable Alaska fishing trips, each moment with you was a cherished gift. Your heart overflowed with kindness, and your generosity to my family knew no bounds. Your legacy of love and joy will forever be a guiding light in our lives. 

Ryan

Sorry to hear about Jerry’s passing.
The best time of my business career was working for Jerry at Haworth.  He demonstrated strong leadership that led to successful results.  He was always available for helping with good advice and counsel.

Dear brother. 
Your kindness, generocity, caring and love has positively touched so many in a unique and profound way. You will be missed tremendously but those who you touched are forever fortunate and will have a lasting impact and you will never be forgotten. You have joined the family angels who have gone before you. Heaven will have a new angel to watch over his family.

Dave

Gayle:
Linda and I are so sorry for your loss!
At Haworth, I loved Jerry’s  wit and keen intelligence. I learned a lot from Jerry.
After retiring from Haworth, Linda and I looked forward to our yearly visits with you both and the hugs we shared together!
May God grant you strength through your memories of the years you shared together!
Al Lanning

Gayle and family.  We are so sorry to learn of the passing of Jerry.  We knew him for many years during his time at AGCO and have great memories of our summer meetings and our trip through Croatia.  
God Bless Him and may he rest in peace.
George and Susanne Minnich

Jerry provides wonderful insight and leadership to Haworth and myself as the business expand internationally. When traveling with Jerry to Europe and Asia he provided support and friendship.
With respect, John Amell

Our deepest sympathies to Jerry's family.

Jerry was an important leader and visionary while he helped to grow our company to be a global leader.  He earned the respect of our members because of his integrity and ability to manage multiple projects while providing guidance.  He could quickly capture the nuances of complex opportunities and find winning solutions.  We were fortunate to have him lead Haworth for many years.

Dick Haworth

Jerry had a very positive impact on Haworth, Inc., and me personally.  I always enjoyed our conversations and time spent together wherever and however they may have happened--on the phone, on his boat, or in his home.

Matthew Haworth

OBITUARY

Gerald "Jerry" Benedict Johanneson

May 11, 1940 – April 30, 2024

Hodges-Josberger Funeral Home

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