GLEN H. JOHNSON

1934 - 2014

DeKALB – Glen H. Johnson, 79, of DeKalb, Ill., died May 5, 2014, at home as a result of complications from cancer surgery.
The son of Swedish immigrant farmers, Glen Harold was born June 29, 1934, to Otto and Amanda (Davidson) Johnson.
Glen married Donna Spencer on Feb. 16, 1979.
In his career as a union bricklayer, Glen earned widespread admiration for his skill, work ethic and kindness. His craftsmanship endures in the brick and stonework of landmarks throughout DeKalb County and the Fox Valley. Glen was perhaps most distinguished for his custom fireplaces. His hearths will bring warmth and light to homes for generations.
In 2009, Glen was honored in a ceremony in Chicago for his 50-year membership with the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. The president of the international union, John J. Flynn, personally awarded Glen with a lifetime card for outstanding achievement. He was a member of Local 21. Certified as a mason, Glen also was skilled as a plasterer and concrete finisher. Many young apprentices were proud to regard him as their mentor.
Among Sycamore sports fans, Glen was well known as a loyal supporter for many decades, watching from his perch at the top of the bleachers and along the sidelines. A devoted family man, he was a fixture at his children and grandchildren's ballgames, concerts, plays, piano recitals and spelling bees.
He graduated from Sycamore High School in 1955. Glen was vice president of the sophomore class when he left the classroom to help his family on the farm. He returned to school three years later, and his fellow students elected him treasurer of the senior class.
Glen served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959, based at Fort Devins in Ayer, Mass. As a private first class, he was attached to the 93rd helicopter company of the 80th transportation detachment.
Glen's name is engraved on a plaque that hangs in the Sycamore Veterans of Foreign Wars hall as one of the 33 charter members of the Univets, a local organization established in 1960 for veterans who served in peacetime.
Starting as a young boy, Glen sat astride a roaring Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He cut a stylish and sometimes daring path. He became a talented young motorcycle racer, competing before grandstand crowds at Santa Fe Speedway and racetracks throughout the Midwest. As a minor, Glen had forged his mother's name on entry forms requiring permission for him to compete.
Glen also was an early member of the Quarterback Club that reviewed Sycamore High School football game tapes at the Elk's Club, where he was a member. In the 1970s, he served briefly on the school board at St. Mary's School in Sycamore. He also restored many of the old tombstones in disrepair at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Sycamore.
Throughout his life, Glen found common ground with people of all backgrounds. He showed a special measure of compassion and support for anyone who struggled with adversity.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Donna; children, Dirk Johnson, Cynthia (Benjamin) Chereskin, Rachel (Ted) Strack and Jennifer Johnson (Richard Neubauer); foster son, Robert (Jo Anne) Price; the mother of his children, Karen Farley Lyons, and her husband, Jerome; grandchildren, Amanda, Harlan, Nora and Henry Johnson, Jacob and Alexander Chereskin, Will, Joseph and Tessa Strack, and Emma and Georgia Johnson; sister, Eleanor Pierce; brother, Ralph Johnson; sister-in-law, Shirley Justice; brother-in-law, Terry Spencer; several nephews and nieces; and his beloved dog, Sissy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, John David Johnson; sister-in-law, Marion Johnson; brothers-in-law, Wayne Pierce Sr. and Larry Justice; and a nephew, Wayne Pierce Jr.
The visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 9, at Butala Funeral Home and Crematory, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 10, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Sycamore.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Glen Johnson Memorial Fund for Sycamore Athletes in Need.
For information or to sign the online guest book, visit www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com or call 815-895-2833.