Ralph O. Johnson

February 21, 1925 - December 31, 2020

Ralph O. Johnson 95 of Watseka passed away on December 31, 2020 at his home. He was born on February 21, 1925 in Donovan a son of Laroy W. and Grace May Center Johnson. Ralph married Marjorie “Pat” West at the Belmont Church on April 30, 1944 and she preceded him in death on May 18, 2018. Ralph has been joyfully reunited with Pat after their seventy-four wonderful years of marriage together. Surviving are three daughters- Susie Stone of Watseka, Debbie (Lonnie) Laughlin of Franktown, CO, and Janie (Joda) Crabtree of Watseka; two sons- Mike Johnson of Springfield and Dave (Brenna) Johnson of Watseka; 12 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother, two sisters, and one son in law- Dave Stone. Ralph was a life long farmer in Iroquois County and a devoted husband and father. He was able to stay at the farm home (which has been in the family for over 175 years) till the day he peacefully passed. He was still happy he could mow his own yard at the age of 94 and enjoyed watching all of the farm activity right out the window from his recliner. Ralph was the recipient of the National Society of American Farmers award. He was a wonderful memory maker – family camping trips every summer all over the US, extreme Christmas lights every year, snowman sculptures, sledding behind the Scout, the whole family working on the farm to keep it looking neat, the best Swedish coffee anywhere, church youth group hay rides, the “candy basket” always full, free sweet corn to all the neighbors, and so many more wonderful memories. Ralph was always willing to help anyone who needed it – many times helping others with their farming, donating many years on the Iroquois County School Trustees and church board, and volunteering at the Iroquois County Museum. Many over the years have said that Ralph helped them out “behind the scenes” when no one knew. Ralph was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Watseka. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and caregivers. He always had a kind word, a sense of humor, and a gentle smile to all who were near him till his last day. What a grand finale to the year 2020. A race well run, good and faithful servant. Private funeral services will be held on Saturday January 9, 2021. His grandson, Pastor Ben Stone will officiate. Burial will be at Body Cemetery near Woodland. Memorials may be made to Cornerstone Church in Woodland, Living Hope Church in Watseka, or Iroquois Memorial Hospice. Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Please share a memory of Ralph at knappfuneralhomes.com