EVERETTE N. JOHNSON, 91 ROCKFORD - Everette N. Johnson, 91, of Rockford died Monday, Dec. 31, 2012, at Northwood Care Center in Belvidere, after a short illness. Born May 12, 1921, in Rockford, the son of Gustaf and Signe (Leden) Johnson. He married Marian N. Gustavson on June 14, 1958. Everette was a 1939 graduate of Rockford High School. He played on the football team and they called him "iron man"; he played almost every minute of the games on both offense and defense. After graduating, he was employed at National Lock Co., and played and pitched for the baseball team in what was then called the Rockford Industrial Athletic Association League. Everette served as high school counselor at First Evangelical Covenant Church, Sunday school teacher at South Park Covenant Church, active member of Temple Baptist Church serving on the Deacon board and as a leader and teacher in Sunday school program, Alpine Kiwanis, and Daniel Post American Legion. Everette enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served with the Marines in the Pacific area during World War II on the islands of Guadalcanal, Ryukyu, Guam, Okinawa and with the Marines in Tsingtao, China. He earned two Purple Heart Medals for wounds received in action during the Okinawa Battle. He was discharged from the Marine Corps in August 1946. Everette graduated from North Park University in 1948, Augsburg College in 1950, and earned his master's degree from Northern Illinois University in 1955. He served as a teacher and principal at Alpine School and Gregory School, and as area coordinator for the elementary schools. He was in the educational field for 36 years, retiring in 1985. Everette continued to serve in other areas volunteering in tutoring, GED program, and was one of the founders of Area Literacy Council. Everette had fond memories of his years in education and thankful for the many friendships he established. He leaves wife, Marian; son, Kyle; sister, Betty (Harold) Roland; and brother, Richard Johnson. Predeceased by his parents; siblings, David (Ruth) Johnson, Arline Walters, Ramona (Warren) Kline and Bertil (Elsie) Johnson. He will be missed by his friends and large number of family members. He loved people whom he cherished all his life, but above all he loved the Lord as his personal Savior. Service at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, in Temple Baptist Church, 3215 E. State St., Rockford with visitation from 12 to 12:45 p.m.; the Revs. Dr. Bill Patterson and Gordon Hanstad will officiate. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. Memorials to Temple Baptist Church. Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd. To share a memory or online condolence, visit olsonfh.com.
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Mr. Johnson was truly a kind man.Totally enjoyed him being a part of my early life.First grade - sixth grade.R.I.P.
Scott Swanson
January 8, 2013
I went to Gregory school where he was principal in the sixtys, he was a great a caring man. He will be dearly missed, RIP
Brian Swanson
January 8, 2013
Dave and I were so sorry to hear that Everette passed away. In all the years that we knew him, he was a testimony of God's joy, peace and love. It was evident on his face and in his life. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Dave and Joan Miller
January 5, 2013
My prayers and condolences go to the family of Everette and to Marion. If it was not for Everette, I would never have been a teacher for 41 years. I was fresh out of college in the fall of 1968. I was assigned to Gregory school as the first 6th grade teacher there. I was also the first and only male teacher in the building. One of my first tasks was to organize the school safety program. Everette was the principal of Alpine school and Gregory at the time. One of my early students at Gregory was Doug Scott. Again, Mr. Johnson thank you for all that you did for me in helping me become a successful teacher.
Chuck Divine
January 5, 2013
We are saddened to hear about Everette & send our heartfelt sympathy to his family. Tom & Georgia DeSautel
Georgia & Tom DeSautel
January 4, 2013
My sister sent me Everette's obituary thru Facebook. When I saw his picture I immediately recognized him as my grade school principal at Gregory Elementary School from 1970-1975. He was always so kind and gentle. I was so blessed to see that he lived a long and prosperous life! I will see you when I get "Home" Mr. Johnson!
Kathy Micklus (Luecht)
January 4, 2013
Mrs. Johnson, I am so sorry to hear about Everette. You were my 1st grade teacher at Turner, as well as, my sister & brother Steve's. Our lives have connected many times since then with my dad & Everette going to church & school together. And then when I use to wait on you at Stockholm Inn. And again with our friendship with Virginia Johnson. Everette will be missed and you will be in my prayers. God Bless you. Shelley Skoglund-Andrukaitis
January 4, 2013
As I just turned 50, I looked into my past and remember Mr Johnson form Gregory School. Never knew how rich of a life he lived. Sorry for your loss.
Rick Cash
January 4, 2013
My condolences to Marian and the family, but what a legacy you have to treasure. Everette was such a fine man, always great to be around. Reading his obituary, I am so impressed by his talents and achievements listed there. I am thankful that my cousin, Marian, had such a kind and loyal husband all these years.
Gib Ahlstrand, Jr.
January 3, 2013
Thank God for this man who never gave up on me when I attended Gregory. He was always kind and fair to myself and those around him.
January 3, 2013
Our sympathy to the family of Everette. May he rest in peace.
Jay & Jan Ahlstrand
January 3, 2013
Please accept our condoleneces on the passing of Everette. May the good Lord comfort you during this time of sorrow.
Blessings,
Bruce and Mary Ahlstrand
Conyers, GA.
January 3, 2013
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