Dennis Johnson

Dennis R. Johnson, 78 ROCKFORD - Dennis R. Johnson, 78, of Rockford passed away Friday, Jan. 14, 2011, in his home after a two-month illness. Born July 18, 1932, in Rockford, the son of Anton and Ila (Holmberg) Johnson. Denny graduated in 1950 from East High School, where he was vice president of his class and participated in track, football, swimming and golf. He remained a loyal E-Rab by being on the reunion committee and was able to enjoy the 60th class reunion in September 2010. Entering Lake Forest College in 1950, he went on to earn four letters in football, one in golf and one in track. He was all-conference his junior and senior years and was voted co-captain his senior year. Elected senior class vice president, he was also a member of the Lettermen's Club and Delta Chi fraternity. He graduated from Lake Forest College in 1954 with a degree in economics and was inducted into the Lake Forest Athletic Wall of Fame in 1985. After graduation, he entered the Army and served in Germany. Upon the death of his father, he returned to Rockford and took on his dad's partnership at Precision Automotive Diesel Inc. with Kenneth Peterson and Raymond Pearson; he retired in 1983 as president. Denny spent many happy summers fishing on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage, Springstead, Wis. Fondly referred to as D.R. Walleye. Poor health ended his golf games but his love of horses continued until his death. Member of the National Standardbred Association, he trained and owned pacers in harness racing. He is survived by his loving life partner, Norene Schuenke; special friend, Gary Propst; cousins, Diane (Chuck) Piper, Susan (Russ) Taylor and Bill (Linda) Nelson; and all their children and grandchildren who knew him as their special Santa Claus. Predeceased by his parents; much-loved uncle, Clifford (Rubye) Nelson; and surrogate son, David E. Piper. Service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, in Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd., Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 Second Ave., with visitation 10 to 10:45 a.m. Pastor Dan Herman of Old Stone United Church of Christ will officiate. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. Memorials to Lake Forest College, 555 N. Sheridan Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045; or to Northern Illinois Hospice, 4215 Newburg Road, Rockford, IL 61108. To share a memory or send a condolence, visit olsonfh.com.