Biography

Lillian Ludwick Johnson, 89, of Rockford, went to be with the Lord at 10:15 a.m. Monday, Oct. 27, 2008, in Wesley Willows Retirement Center after a lengthy illness. Born on August 19, 1919, in Urbana, IL, the daughter of Charles and Opal (Ludwick) Sanders. Lillian attended Rantoul, IL schools before coming to Rockford to make her home with the Clarence and Jessie Castle family. She finished her high school education in Rockford, graduating from Rockford High School in 1937. She then studied at Brown's Business College. For seven years, she worked as a secretary and typist for the Halsted Real Estate Agency and for Holland-Ferguson Abstract Co. She married Gust Johnson on October 11, 1941. Gust passed away on March 9, 1993.

Lillian was a Charter Member of Christ United Methodist Church, where she lived out her faith in many ways, including being active in the Women's Circles and serving wherever she was needed. She was also a member of the Jenny Lind Society. Lillian enjoyed baking, handwork, doing crossword puzzles and spending time with her many friends.

Survived by son, Timothy V. (Pamela) Johnson of Rockford, daughter, Paula S. (William) Burnham of Green Bay, WI, grandsons, Gavin and Sean Johnson of Rockford, grandson, Blaine Burnham of Green Bay, WI,, sister-in-laws, Helen Carlson, Pearl Johnson, and Jean Castle of Rockford, numerous nieces and nephews and special friend, Don Bakkelund. Predeceased by parents, husband, Gust, brothers, Byron Sanders and Millard Castle, sisters, Mildred Capwell, Ruth Sanders, Nellie Sanders and Martha Hazen. Lillian's family would like to thank the staff at Wesley Willows for their years of loving care.

Funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 1, in Christ United Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Road, with Pastor Richard Carl Wisdom officiating. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. Visitation from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Memorials may be made to Christ United Methodist Church and Wesley Willows Retirement Center. Arrangements completed by Julian-Poorman-Welte Funeral Home 304 N. 5th St. For online guest book, maps & directions, visit www.weltefuneral.com

Visitation

Saturday November 1, 2008, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church
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Funeral

Saturday November 1, 2008, 11:00 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church
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Burial

Saturday November 1, 2008 at Scandinavian Cemetery
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