Arnold W. Johnson

Arnold W. Johnson, age 95, U.S. Army veteran, a resident of Naperville, IL since 1972, formerly of Evanston, IL, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at The Springs at Monarch Landing in Naperville, IL. He was born on August 17, 1930, in Evanston, IL.
Beloved husband of Joan Johnson (née Moran), whom he married on September 24, 1955, loving father of David (Laurie) Johnson of Naperville, Dr. Thomas (Mary) Johnson of Brookfield, WI, Scott (Jennifer Harris) Johnson of Denali National Park, Alaska and the late Lisa Johnson, adored grandfather of Elizabeth (Scott) Manke and Katherine (Matt) Navo; Andrea MacKenzie, Colin (Hannah) MacKenzie and the late Daniel Michael Johnson; Tim Johnson, Andy (Jena) Johnson and Will Johnson; Maggie (Logan) Luptak and Joe (Ana) McCracken, cherished great-grandfather of Jack and Claire Manke; Shepherd Mackenzie; Avery and Wesley Johnson; Jasper and August Luptak; Grace and Noah McCracken, devoted son of the late Ivar and Agnes Johnson, dear brother of the late Melvin Johnson, son-in-law of the late Frank and Frances Moran, brother-in-law of the late Jack, Jerry and Jim Moran, fond uncle, great-uncle, great-great uncle and friend of many.
Arnold was born and raised in Evanston, Illinois, and graduated from Evanston Township High School. After graduation, while working a number of jobs, he put himself through Northwestern University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1954. Upon graduating, he served in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge in 1956.
While stationed in Germany, Arnold married the love of his life, Mary "Joan" Moran. During that time, they began their family. In November 1956, Arnold joined James Talcott, Inc., where he built a successful career over 17 years. He later joined Harris Trust and Savings Bank as a Vice President in the Commercial Lending Division. In 1974, Arnold accepted a position with Upper Avenue Bank, where he remained until 1981.
After leaving banking and finance, Arnold acquired several small businesses in the Chicago area, including United American Metals and Foell Packing Company. He was also instrumental in several successful start-up ventures, generously lending his expertise, mentorship, and financial support.
Upon his retirement in 1995, Arnold and Joan traveled extensively, enjoying winters away from Chicago's cold and snow, and cherishing time with a growing family that eventually included grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Faith was a guiding force throughout Arnold's life. He and Joan were active members of parishes in Naperville, Illinois, and Naples, Florida, their winter home. Remembering the hardships of growing up during the Great Depression, Arnold was a committed supporter of many charitable organizations, particularly those serving the poor and marginalized.
As his health declined, he took up residence at the Springs of Monarch Landing, where the staff took excellent care of him through his final days.
A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, 12:30-2:30 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville, IL 60540.
A celebration of Arnold's life will follow on Saturday, 2:30 PM at the funeral home with Fr. John Regan officiating.
Future inurnment: Naperville Cemetery, Naperville.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Arnold's memory can be made to:
St. Thomas the Apostle Care Pantry, 1500 Brookdale Rd., Naperville, IL 60563, 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769), https://www.stapostle.org/events-activities/care-pantry/
or
The Salvation Army, 139 Water Street, Naperville, IL, 60540, (630) 355-2786, https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/ways-to-give/give-by-mail-or-phone/
For more information, please visit www.friedrich-jones.com or call (630) 355-0213.