George L. Johnson

George L Johnson, age 95, passed away Tuesday, March 4 in Batavia, Illinois. He was born on August 30, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois to George and Claire Johnson. His interest in music and photography began while still living at home. He proudly served in the ROTC at Harper High School, graduating in 1948. After high school, he started working at Sherwin Williams Paint Company on the South Side of Chicago in the chemical coatings division.
He met his future wife, Lorraine, at a Walther League Camp and they married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lombard, on June 13, 1953. After being an only child, marrying into a family with 6 siblings must have been an adjustment! Together with Lorraine's father and brothers, they built their home in Clarendon Hills and in 1957 settled there to raise their daughters, Karen and Holly. George was actively involved in church activities at Zion Lutheran Church in Hinsdale including singing in the choir and serving on various committees and boards. They established lifelong friendships in their years at Zion.
George had many hobbies and interests. He was an avid photographer and was interested in all aspects of the process, experimenting with developing his own prints and using a variety of techniques and finishes. He loved music, played the piano, sang in church and community choirs, small ensembles, and played in the handbell choir. He also had an extensive record collection and multiple stereo systems which he loved to tinker with. Science was another area of interest, he was well read, and had an extensive book collection.
In the late 1970's he became interested in learning to fly which led to him selling his boat and buying a Cessna 172 with his friend, Gene Haak. In 1986, George and Lorraine moved to Naper Aero. With a hangar on the property and a runway in the backyard, George could conveniently fly with family and friends. George enjoyed the airport community and made many close friends during their years in Naperville. George and Lorraine were members at Bethany, Naperville and more recently, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lisle.
George often said (with a tear in his eye) "family is everything". He was a loving dad to Karen and Holly and an actively engaged grandpa to Kate and Paul. They have wonderful memories of time with Grandpa reading the Sunday funnies on his lap, tinkering in the hangar, 10:30 coffee breaks, and reading Brer Rabbit to them. He was always experimenting with something: testing the pH in the pool, flying, rewiring the model railroad, chemicals for photography, etc. He wanted them to be curious and took them to the museums, orchestra concerts, and the zoo. He even accompanied them on class field trips. Naperville band concerts were a highlight of every Summer.
George was blessed with 6 great grandsons whom he delighted in seeing as often as possible. The older boys made puzzles, ate ice cream, and read stories with him. The little ones liked to ride with him on his scooter. Everyone was happy to get to visit Great Grandpa!
George had a strong commitment to family, friends, and his faith community. He leaves behind his wife, Lorraine, daughters Karen Johnson and Holly Hackelbeg, grandchildren Kate Garrett and Paul Hackelberg, Paul's wife Claire, great grandsons Tris, Henry and Jack Garrett, Teddy, Auggie, and Ben Hackelberg.
At age 95, he outlived many dear friends and family and on their passing, he would say "heaven got another good one". We celebrate his life and know heaven is rejoicing that they got another good one!
Visitation 10 a.m. Monday March 10th until time of funeral service 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1101 Kimberly Way, Lisle, 60532. Interment Zion Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church or your favorite charity would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home 630-964-6500