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BORN
1953
DIED
2015
FUNERAL HOME
John Johnsen Obituary
Born: July 29, 1953; in Elgin, IL
Died: April 29, 2015; in Geneva, IL
John Robert Johnsen, age 61, of DeKalb, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at Delnor Community Hospital, Geneva.
Born July 29, 1953, in Elgin, the son of Robert S. and Charlotte (Prasch) Johnsen, John married Martha "Marty" Mosher on September 23, 1978, in Washington, Illinois.
John was a man with an endless quest for learning, planning and giving; a devoted husband loving dad and awesome grandpa; McDonald's legend, garage sale organizer; party, event and wedding planner; determined fisherman; avid treasure collector; grill master; teller of tall tales; Halloween makeup artist; motivational speaker; proud Viking; and forever the champion of his family.
His family will always be grateful for the legacy he left them, "Dad is King!"
John was McDonald's longest-tenured employee, of 45 years, upon his retirement in June 2012. He was a member of Christ the Teacher Parish in DeKalb. John was a soccer coach for AYSO and YMCA, a member and chairman of St. Mary School Bingo Committee, a Cub Scout leader for Pack 173, and a DeKalb Wrestling Club Hall of Fame Inductee.
He is survived by his wife, Marty; son, Jared (Rachel) and children, Shelby, Vincent, Danielle and Vivian, son, Jordan, daughter, Kari (Jordan) Myers, and son Jake; sisters, Sue (Don) Schroeder and Kate (Alan) Raymer; brother, Mike (Debbie) Johnsen; parents-in-law, Jack and Charlotte Mosher; sisters-in-law, Sara (Rob) Ahten, Amy (Ross) Davis, Betsy (Larry) Wanat, Molly Mosher and Laura (Tim) Berlett; many nieces and nephews; and his faithful canine companion, Axel.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Charlotte Johnsen; and grandparents, Ray and Charlotte Prasch and Sigurd and Marie Johnsen.
The memorial Mass will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday, May 4, 2015, at Newman Center Christ the Teacher Parish, 512 Normal Road, DeKalb, with Fr. Matthew McMorrow celebrating. Cremation is by Anderson Funeral Home Crematory. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday at Anderson Funeral Home, DeKalb.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the John R. Johnsen Memorial Fund for Wounded Warrior Project or St. Mary/Christ the Teacher St. Vincent de Paul Society, sent to the Johnsen Family in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.
For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Johnsen
Sponsored by Anderson Funeral Home - DeKalb.
Colleen Casey
October 28, 2019
Dear Marty and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm just now learning of John's passing. He was an amazing man and an inspiration to everybody who came in contact with. He will be sorely missed.
I'm moving out of state next week and I wanted to touch base with him once more before I left.
I had the great honor of having him on my team opening the Sycamore McDonald's back in '75.
He was an amazing man and an inspiration to all! I will miss him.
May 7, 2015
Marty and family,
Just found out about your loss. Please know that our prayers are with all you. Always enjoyed spending time with all of you at the many, many soccer games together. We reminisced about how John's coaching (in Spanish) Chris Munoz never translated the same as when Carlos coached him. Love you all. The Thorsons
Glenda Davies
May 5, 2015
This is truly a sad day in DeKalb. I played Bingo for years at St.Mary's John always ran the best Bingo - When he told us he was leaving we were devastated and Bingo was never the same. I used to wait tables and he brought a large group in one night he was the best ever and will be missed by many. May God comfort you at this time he was taken way to soon.
Stephanie (Duez) Suhr
May 5, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl Bush
May 4, 2015
Dear Marty and family, I am saddened to learn of John's passing; so full of life he was. I have fond memories of his coaching AYSO and the Rambo Raiders! May your memories bring you and yours some comfort in this difficult time. Many(((HUGS)))!
Cheryl Bush (Petersen)
May 3, 2015
Our deepest sympathies to you, the Johnsen family,our fine neighbors we had when we lived in DeKalb. You have been in our thoughts and prayers since we heard about John's death. Peace & comfort. The Rotvold's
Elaine Latimer
May 3, 2015
Marty and family,
So sorry to hear of John's passing. Cherish the memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jeff and Elaine Latimer
May 3, 2015
Dear Marty & family,
Old friends will remember John "Bear" Johnsen with a smile. He was a sweet guy then and always as we see from your beautiful family. So sorry for your loss.
NIU friend,
Pam Lukas
Keith Larson
May 3, 2015
A real good guy and a McDonald's trooper. Was glad to have him on my team. I know he'll be missed.
Ken Johanson
May 2, 2015
John was honest, engaging and inspiring. Quick to laugh, always a source of support and encouragement. Most of all he loved his family.
May 2, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time . Thank you John for sharing your life with us! Rest in peace and know that you will be missed by so many. May the good Lord Bless you all.
Ric and Mary Hanson
Malta, Illinois
Warren Hoar
May 1, 2015
I will miss JJ's smile, laughter and passion. Having the opportunity to work with him at McDonald's was a joy and a pleasure. He always had a positive outlook and did everything he could to protect the brand. His spirit will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Please know he inspired many people. Rest in peace JJ.
Dana Rourke
May 1, 2015
I will never forget John's awesome speech at the boys final soccer banquet. He said such wonderful things about the boys. I'll never forget him sitting across the field on his chair, watching the soccer matches. He was a kind man. We are thinking of you, and our prayers are with you all at this difficult time.-David,Dana,Patrick, and Emma
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
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Memorial Events
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May
4
Visitation
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Anderson Funeral Home - DeKalb2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
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Anderson Funeral Home - DeKalb2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
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