Gordon B. Johnson

Gordon B. Johnson Gordon B. Johnson, 81, a lifetime resident of Arlington Heights, died Friday, June 22, 2007. He was the oldest son of Henry and Sophia Johnson and proudly boasted of being a grandson of Christian Niemeyer, one of Arlington's last Civil War veterans (all of the above are deceased). Gordon attended South and North grade schools, AHTHS high school, interrupting the last two years to serve in the World War II Navy, as did his younger brother, Gene Johnson (deceased). Afterward they received their diplomas at their sister, Fay Johnson Csepp's (and her husband, Jack's) 1947 graduation exercises. Gordon then attended Iowa State University. There was another brother, Alan, who died in infancy and years later, the "baby sister" (who is now a great grandmother), Karen (Jim) Burke. In 1949, Gordon married Estelle Bergschneider, and through the years, six children were born, Mark (Debbie), Jill (Emil) Ygak, Kris (Dan) Phifer, Gordon D., Amy Nicioli and Laura Johnson. There are now 12 grandchildren (one deceased), two and two-on-the-way great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Gordon retired after working 42 years for the C&NW Railway and after the death of his beloved wife in 1990, Gordon kept very busy. He spent a lot of time with family and friends, played golf, and had part-time jobs at Arlington Lakes Golf Course, and his most favorite as a Crossing Guard for School District 25. He considered very seriously his responsibility of keeping the children of Thomas School safe in every way; no one could have enjoyed those children more and he had many endearing stories to tell anyone who would listen. The saddest time for him after receiving the lung cancer diagnosis was when he could no longer hold this job. Never one to let anything get him down for long, Gordon lifted the spirits of everyone who knew him with his love of them and his knowledge of trivia. We shall miss him a lot. A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N. Dunton, at 4 p.m., Tuesday, June 26. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Monarch Hospice Foundation.