Daniel B. Johnson

Daniel B. Johnson was born July 3, 1944 in Sandwich, IL and passed away on December 23, 2025 of heart failure at Glenbrook Rehabilitation Center in Carlsbad, CA. Dan is most remembered for his jocular humor, strong work ethic, love of golf, kind heart, and unwavering dedication to family and friends.

The son of Kenny and Etta Mae Johnson, Dan grew up on a working farm outside of Sandwich, IL and later called Sheridan - a rural Illinois town where he would celebrate many Christmas Eves and holidays with his parents, siblings and their families - home.

While attending Sheridan Elementary School and Serena High School, Dan was a member of 4-H and played baseball and basketball while excelling at his academics. He attended Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL where

he earned a degree in physics and served as president of his fraternity Theta Chi and vice president of the Interfraternity Council.

In 1963 Dan began his professional career at Stephens-Adamson Manufacturing and in 1966 joined Anaconda Wire and Cable Company where he served in several engineering and management positions for 12 years.

In the late 1970s, Dan was recruited by Michelin Tires USA to join its prestigious management training program. He later returned to Anaconda-Ericsson to serve as manager of its flagship plant in Louisville, KY. After relocating to California with his spouse Karen Corsini in 1990, Dan served as plant manager at Judd Wire in San Marcos, CA.

Dan's greatest passion was the game of golf. He was an active member and golfer at Shadowridge Golf Club in Vista, CA for 35 years where he achieved two of his three holes-in-one. Throughout his life, Dan played thousands of rounds of golf with friends, work colleagues and his beloved father Kenny and brother Mick. Through the years, Dan had the privilege of attending the Masters at Augusta National, the U.S. Open Championship at Torrey Pines, the PGA Tour's Tournament of Champions at La Costa and The Dinah Shore Tournament at Mission Hills Country Club. One of Dan's greatest memories was meeting golf legend Jack Nicklaus as they walked the newly opened course at the Aliso Viejo Country Club.

Dan's love of golf intersected with his professional career in 2001 when he secured a job at Callaway Golf in Carlsbad, CA. From 2001 to 2020, Dan worked in Callaway Golf's golf ball operations, custom golf club production, and golf ball research and development divisions. In retirement, he enjoyed working as a golf starter at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa where he befriended many golfers and colleagues.

Dan was a life-long Chicago White Sox fan, a regular attendee of the Kentucky Derby, an active member of three Chambers of Commerce; and a coach and mentor for Special Olympics golfers who dearly loved and admired Dan. In 1973, he pursued and received his private airplane pilot's license.

Dan is survived by Karen Corsini, his spouse of more than 50 years; brother Michael (Jodi) of DeKalb, IL; sister Sallie Head of Little Rock, AK; and sister-in-law Rose Johnson of Ottawa, IL; as well as six nieces and nephews and their families. Dan was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth Leroy and Etta Mae Johnson, eldest brother Kenneth Edward Johnson, and brother-in-law Richard Head.

A private burial service was held at Singing Hills Memorial Park in El Cajon, CA, and a celebration of Dan's life will take place in Illinois this spring with details to be shared with family and friends. To honor Dan's memory, the family kindly requests donations be made to The Special Olympics Golf Program at www.sosc.org or by mailing a check to: Special Olympics - Golf Program; 1600 Forbes Way, Suite 200; Long Beach, CA 90810. When making a donation, please note it be designated for the Golf Program and in memory of Daniel B. Johnson.