Gerald (Jerry)
Johnson
gedeactivereerd
Gerald (Jerry) Lee Johnson (son of Bernard & Alberta
Johnson) passed away Sunday, March 5th, 2023 in
southern California. He and his wife, Pat, resided in
Menifee, CA.
Jerry is survived by his wife Patricia (Hartley) Johnson
whom he shared an extraordinary love and friendship;
daughter, Lesli Johnson; son, Brett Johnson (wife
Colleen); stepsons Eric Hartley and Jake Scheideman; and
grandchildren Bradi Johnson, Christopher Hartley and
Amanda Scheideman.
Born September 29, 1940 in Rockford IL, Jerry spent much
of his early life in Rockford, raising a family with his first
wife, Linda (Johnson) Wetzel. Jerry strived to create
wonderful memories with family and friends. Jerry
worked his entire career in the Tool & Die industry in
Rockford, Crawfordsville, IN and California.
For the past 38 years, Jerry called California his home. If
you knew Jerry this was the perfect environment for one
of his passions – Sunday golf. However, each Sunday
during the NFL season, it played havoc in his ability to
watch his favorite team, The Green Bay Packers. Sunday’s
post-game Jerry and Brett would get on a cross-country
phone call and recount touchdowns and fumbles.
Jerry was passionate about many things, including his
family, golfing, bowling and his friends. Known as “JJ” to
many, Jerry had friends he met in grade school! After
moving to California, Jerry frequented Rockford to see his
lifelong friends and enjoy his favorite midwest treats:
Cream Puffs, Mrs. Fisher’s Chips, Maid-Rites, Swedish
Pancakes and Kringle’s from WI.
Jerry had a wonderful ability to make everyone feel special
and part of the family and in turn, he was part of theirs.
He was the consummate host, toasting with Tom & Jerry’s
during the holidays, and the traveling “Grandpa with the
Beard.” Grandpa taught Bradi how to bake holiday cookies
her first 17 Christmases!
Jerry also had a commitment to volunteer work and giving
back. Early on he volunteered at Trinity Lutheran Church
(Rockford) and served as a swim meet coordinator
(Rockford Marlins). Later in life he coordinated golf
events at the Menifee Lakes Golf Club & Community.
He will be missed by so many.
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