Edward Johns

Edward Louis Johns, 95, passed away after a brief illness at Wesley Willows Health Center in Rockford on February 3, 2026. He was born on December 10, 1930, in Rockford, Illinois, to William Louis and Margaret (Compton) Johns.

Ed married Violet E. (Sadewater) Johns at Court Street Methodist Church in Rockford on September 10, 1955. Ed and Vi enjoyed over 70 wonderful years together. They were charter members of the Aldersgate Methodist Church. He was instrumental in organizing the ongoing annual Corn Boil fundraiser.

A lifelong farmer, Ed initially farmed at the family's Rockford farm before relocating his family to a farm in Pecatonica in 1967. He was proud of his family's farming heritage, which began in Cornwall, England, and continued in Winnebago County since 1851. Throughout his extensive farming career, Ed was fortunate enough to work alongside his grandfather, his father and finally, his son.

He loved helping others, especially his family. He especially enjoyed hosting family and friends at his fishing cabin on Crow Lake in Ontario. Ed cherished the camaraderie and lively discussions at the weekly "Table of Knowledge" gatherings at the Stonewall Cafe. Ed had a dry sense of humor and enjoyed telling stories.

Ed attended the one-room rural Elmwood School for his first eight years and graduated in 1948 from West High School, where he was active on the ROTC rifle team. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955, first as a shooting instructor at Fort Sill and later as a radar operator in the Field Artillery Battalion in West Germany. He always enjoyed traveling and used his military leave to explore other European countries.

He participated in the Pecatonica Historical Society and the American Legion. Previously, he held leadership roles in both the Rotary Club of Pecatonica and the Winnebago County Farm Bureau and was a member of the Winnebago County Livestock Feeders Association. For a time, he volunteered as a firefighter at the Rockford Northwest Fire Station. In his younger years, Ed was a member of the Farm Bureau Rural Youth organization and enjoyed activities such as square dancing, picnics, and camping. During his time in Rural Youth, he met his future wife, Vi.

Ed is survived by his wife, Vi; his three children, his daughter, Ann (Robert Lynde); his sons, Edward William (Jeanne), and Will (Sharon); nine grandchildren, Daniel Satter, Andrew Satter, Joseph (Teresa) Satter, Willie (Sarah) Johns, Anne (Dylan) Kornely, Richard Johns, Sarah Johns, Michael Johns, Charles Johns; 7 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Martha (Michael) Satter; and his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Willard Thomas.

Join the family for a Celebration of Life lunch on Saturday, February 14, from Noon to 2:00 PM at Cimino's Restaurant, located in Pecatonica. This will be a time to remember and celebrate Edward's full life. Cremation rites were accorded.

We invite you to share memories and photos of Edward on his memorial page.