Fred B. Johnson Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Fred B. Johnson age 94, of Marion, IL and formerly of Portage, MI passed away at 2:05 p.m., Friday October 26, 2012 in Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion, IL. Fred was born, Thursday, June 20, 1918, in Plainwell, MI the son of William and Esther (Lindquist) Johnson. He grew up in Plainwell, MI where he was active in sports, playing basketball and football during his high school years and graduated in 1936. He was united in marriage to Martha I. Nichols, December 26, 1941 in Otsego, MI and together they shared over seventy years of marriage. Fred answered the call of this nation by serving in the United States Army during World War II from 1941 thru 1945. He served as a Tec 3 with the 8th Signal Company 8th Division. During a very cold winter from late 1944 into early 1945 he and his unit supplied telephone communication to the troops during the three month fierce “Battle of Hurtgen Forest” located along the border between Belgium and Germany in the southwest corner of Germany. Due to the rugged terrain this was the longest single battle the U.S. Army has ever fought. Fred was employed in 1939 by Michigan Bell Telephone Company in Kalamazoo, MI as a lineman and telephone technician and continued working and training with AT&T until his retirement in 1983. After retirement he and Martha became associated with the Wycliffe Bible Association for six years doing mission work in Columbia, South America where he worked improving Columbia’s telephone communications. Fred formerly attended the First Church of God of Portage, MI and after moving to Marion he attended Lake of Egypt Christian Church. He loved his family and many friends and his memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him. Fred is survived by his Wife, Martha I. Johnson of Marion, IL; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Karen Schupp of White Pigeon, MI, Christine and James Pingel, Kalamazoo, MI and Anna and Rick Myers of Mishawaka, IN; four sons and daughters-in-law, Bert and Brenda Johnson of Marion, IL, Brian and Maryann Johnson of Torrance, CA, Timothy and Cleo Johnson of El Cerrito, CA and Daniel and Mari Johnson of Irvine, CA; fifteen grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, other extended family members and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Roland Johnson; one sister, Anna Hutchinson and two brothers, Julius and Hart Johnson. Arrangements for Fred Bertil Johnson were entrusted to the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion, IL. A time of visitation for family and friends was from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 3, 2012, at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home. Following the visitation the funeral service followed at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. Leroy Waggoner and Rev. Bob Nolen presiding. Rev. Nolen read some of Mr. Johnson’s favorite verses of scripture from Psalm Chapters 23 and 91. The prelude and postlude musical selections were recorded piano selections. Special recorded musical selections presented during the service were “In the Garden” and “The Old Rugged Cross”. Another special selection presented during the service was “Amazing Grace” as a vocal selection by Mr. Johnson’s granddaughter, Analyse Johnson with recorded accompaniment. Military honors were accorded at the funeral home by members of the Illinois National Guard Flag Detail of Marion, IL. Those members participating the folding of the flag were SPC Francis Sikorski and SPC Jacob Martin. Presentation of the folded flag to Mr. Johnson’s wife, Martha was by SPC Francis Sikorski. Following the service in Marion, Mr. Johnson was transferred for a graveside service and interment in Mount Ever-Rest Memorial Park in Kalamazoo, MI where military rites were accorded at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 5, 2012, with VFW Comstock Post No. 6952 Chaplain Tom Dahl presiding along with other members of the Kalamazoo Honor Guard. Also participating in the military honors were members of the Augusta Michigan Army National Guard. Those members participating in the folding of the flag were SGT Sandra Ruiz and PFC Jody Fuller. Presentation of the folded flag to Mr. Johnson’s wife, Martha was by SGT Sandra Ruiz. After the committal service at the cemetery the family and friends gathered at a local Kalamazoo Restaurant for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to “Lake of Egypt Christian Church” or “Hospice of Southern Illinois”. Memorial contribution envelopes were available at the funeral home or were mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959. For additional information please call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.

Fred B. Johnson

June 20, 1918 - October 26, 2012