John B. Johnson

METAMORA- John B. Johnson, 89, of Metamora, formerly of East Peoria, passed away and went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 18, 2015 at 1:15 A.M. at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria surrounded by his loving family. John was born on February 7, 1926 in Woodhull, Illinois to Fred and Elsa Anderson Johnson. He married Loretta Seek on December 26, 1952 at the First Presbyterian Church in Peoria. She survives. Also surviving are their three children, Linda (John) Zimmerman of East Peoria, Lori (Steve) Nichol of Morton, and Jan (Lynda) Johnson of Pekin; five grandchildren, Jennifer (Rob) Pickerill of Morton, Courtney (John) Denny of Canton, J. Brandon (Nicki) Johnson of Elmwood, Carissa Johnson of Clermont, FL, and Adam (fiancé Kim Galvante) Nichol of San Francisco, CA; six great-grandchildren, Piper, Ezra, and Roe Denny, Lauryn Pickerill, Angelina and Peyton Johnson; and one niece, Shirley Hagen of Oneida. John was preceded in death by his parents; 1 sister, Elvie; 2 brothers, Harold and Glen; and his adored toy poodle, Peaches. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II, specifically in Admiral Halsey’s Third Fleet in the Pacific. He was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Amsterdam. He was a life member of the East Peoria VFW Post 2078. He was chosen, and very honored, to be a part of an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. on June 22, 2010. John retired in January, 1983 from Caterpillar in East Peoria after 32 ½ years of service. He worked in data processing and held various positions in management. He was instrumental in setting up the data processing division at the York, PA plant during its startup operations in the 1950’s. He served as president of both local chapters of the Data Processing Management Association at York and Peoria. He was awarded the Certificate in Data Processing in 1965. John enjoyed traveling and square dancing, both with his wife by his side, playing cards, fishing, listening to polka and swing music, and riding his moped well into his later years. He was also a diehard Chicago Cubs fan. He was known for his gentle spirit and his optimistic outlook in life. He loved his entire family, but his greatest love was for his wife, Loretta. They enjoyed 62 blessed years together. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. A celebration of life service for John will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in East Peoria. Pastors John and Vicki Schmidgall will officiate. There will be a visitation two hours prior to the service, from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.

John B. Johnson

February 7, 1926 - September 18, 2015