Kenneth R. Johnson

Kenneth R. Johnson, 79, formerly of Rock Island, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, at Prestige Assisted Living Center, Green Valley, AZ.

Memorial mass will be held 10 a.m., Monday, March 4, 2019, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Moline, IL. Visitation will be from 2-5 p.m., Sunday, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline, IL.  Entombment of cremains will be at Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island, IL.

Ken was born in Rock Island, IL on December 31, 1939, the son of Wilbur and Grace (Mortier) Johnson. He graduated from Rock Island High School and Augustana College.

Ken spent the majority of his career with International Harvester/Farmall.  He started as a mail boy riding around the East Moline Harvester Plant on a bicycle. He worked in various accounting positions with International Harvester, ultimately becoming Manager of Plant Accounting at the Farmall Plant in Rock Island.  When International Harvester was purchased by JI Case, he continued his accounting career with Cooper Industries in Springfield OH until his retirement.  After retirement, he relocated to Green Valley, AZ.

Ken loved spending time with family and friends. From family vacations to Minnesota when the kids were young to boating vacations with a large group caravanning to Lake of the Ozarks in the 70’s and early 80’s.  He was an avid golfer and scored a hole in one at Byron Hills Golf Course in 2010.  He loved to watch Jeopardy every night, and he loved to dance.

Ken had a great sense of humor and was always quick with a joke and a wry smile.  He delighted his kids and grandkids with his goofy magic tricks; a tradition which will live on for generations.

Ken is survived by his devoted mate and partner, Maureen Saunders; his children, Susan (Doug) Byrum of Brighton, MI, Kris Stipp of Evanston, IL and Todd (Gail) Johnson of Mahomet, IL; his grandchildren, Jeff Walker, Kirsten (Walker) Babecki, Sandy (Stipp) Minea, Kenny Johnson and Marlena Johnson; four great-grandchildren; his brother Joseph (Nancy) Johnson of Milan, IL, his sister Kathy (Dan) Decap of East Moline, IL and his former wife, Patricia Schneider of Tucson, AZ.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Hook a Kid on Golf Program through the National Alliance for Youth Sports.