Korean War

Harold Donald Johnson 1926—2020
Harold Donald Johnson, 94, of Dixon, passed away on Monday, December 14, 2020, at Liberty Court Assisted Living & Memory Care, Dixon, IL. He was employed by the Illinois Northern Utility Co., which merged with Public Service Co., then with Commonwealth Edison Co. for 36 prior to his retirement.
Harold was born May 15, 1926, in Dixon, IL, the son of Harry and Jennie (Steinbeck) Johnson. He had several nicknames, mainly “Goozle” which was passed on from his father and “Swede” which was from his time with the Utility Company. Harold graduated from Dixon High School, class of 1944. He served in the United States Army during World War II from 1944-1946 including duty in the European Theater of Operations. Also served in the Illinois National Guard and Korean Conflict from 1949-1952. Harold was proud to have received three Honorable Discharges. He attended Grace United Methodist Church in Dixon, was a member of the American Legion Post #12, a Charter Volunteer at Dixon Rural Fire Dept for 11 years (1946-1957), a member of the World War II National Museum in New Orleans, and a special Deputy Sheriff under John Stouffer, Robert Burrs and his good friend Quest. During the Depression Era he delivered newspapers for the Dixon Evening Telegraph and Rockford Morning Star. Harold had the pleasure of being Grand Marshall of the 2017 Memorial Day Parade. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and the many trips they took. He is survived by special friends, Terrie Sloan, Kathy Gridley, and Leonard Jerrells; cousins and many friends. Harold was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Raymond and brother, Richard who passed away in infancy.
Private graveside service will be on Friday, December 18, 2020, at Oakwood Cemetery, Dixon, IL, with, Pastor Jack Briggs, officiating, with full Military Honors by the combined Veteran’s Military Groups.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be mailed to Midland States Bank in C/O Connie Bontz directed to Oakwood Cemetery for the Veterans Platform to install a ramp or the Dixon Veterans Memorial Park.
Harold expressed his thanks and blessing to go to Terrie Sloan, a great friend and a devoted neighbor for over the last 30 plus years especially since living alone at home and then at Liberty Court, for the many visits and helping hands, may God put many stars in your crown.
Harold’s special friends would like to extend a thank you to nurse Andrea and all the staff at Liberty Court for taking such good care of him during his stay. As well as the combined Veteran Military Groups in the local area for all they do for Veterans.
“There is never a total loss,
But what there is a small
Gain somewhere,
If you look at it Right”
~Harold D. Johnson
Arrangements were completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon.
Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschilling.com.