Reuben William Johnson

STILLMAN VALLEY ~ Reuben William Johnson, 78, died with his loving wife, son, and best friend at his side on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Serenity Hospice and Home of Oregon, IL.   Reuben was born in Beloit, WI on December 12, 1945, the son of Reuben William and Dorothy Fern (Dolphin) Johnson.   He graduated from North Boone High School in Poplar Grove, IL in 1964.  After high school he went on to serve in the United States Navy from 1965 until 1969.   He married the love of his life Kay Pearson on March 13, 1971, at Capron Lutheran Church in Capron, IL.  He worked for several years running his own manufacturing company, Johnson-Reynolds Manufacturing, in Rockford, IL.  He went on to work for Circle Boring as a machinist from 1981 until he retired.  Reuben always loved to travel.  Throughout his life he traveled to Africa 27 times as a volunteer on mission trips.  He loved to spend time riding around the north woods of Wisconsin in their Side by Side.  He was very handy and could fix just about anything.  Reuben had a deep love for his community.  He was heavily involved with the local Kiwanis Club and All Saints Lutheran Church where he served on the church council and Property Committee.  He was always ready to lend a hand and make a friend.  His true passion, however, was for his family.  Spending time with his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren always came first for him.  Reuben is preceded in death by his parents and brother Charles Johnson.  He is survived and missed dearly by his loving wife of 53 years Kay Johnson of Stillman Valley, IL; son Bill (Patty) Johnson of Byron, IL; grandchildren Noah & Nate; brother Harold Johnson of Clinton, WI; special aunt Beverly Balentyne of Belvidere, IL; special best friend Joe (Dorothy) Clinton of Rockford, IL; and many, many other great friends, many of whom visited him in the hospital and at Serenity Hospice and Home during his final days.  A Funeral service will be held in his honor on Thursday, April 25, 2024, beginning at 11:00 am at All Saints Lutheran Church with Pastor Janet Wold presiding.  Visitation hours will be at the church  just prior to the service starting at 9:00am.  Immediately following the services, Reuben will be laid to rest in Byron Township Cemetery.  Memory donation may be made in his honor to All Saints Lutheran Church or Serenity Hospice and Home of Oregon, IL.