La Rina Johnson

Born April 25, 1920 in Peoria to Henry A. and Margaret (Kiebach) Erxleben, she married Reinhold R. “Bud” Johnson on September 1, 1939 in Pekin. He died August 13, 1990 in Pekin. She also was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers, Harold Erxleben, Ervin Erxleben, Earl Erxleben and Everett Erxleben.

Surviving are one son, Alan R. (Patricia) Johnson of Pekin; one daughter, Carol L. (David) Helm of Pekin; six grandchildren, Tyson (Elizabeth) Johnson of Villa Park, Tammy (Gary) Schoenfeldt of Columbiana, AL, Taunya (Troy) Dowell of Morton, Trent (Nicole) Johnson of Pekin, Shelley Gregg of East Peoria and Aaron (Shirlene) Selman of Pekin; sixteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. She also leaves several nieces and nephews.

La Rina was a lifelong member of Second Reformed Church in Pekin, where she was an active member in the Volunteer Society, Friendship Circle and in earlier years the church choir. Her love of baking German cookies, noodles and embroidering items were always present at her church bake sales and later at the U.A.W. High-rise bake sales, where she lived prior to going to live at Pekin Manor. While at Pekin Manor, she played the piano for the residents in the Garden Court area.

She touched everyone’s heart with gentle kindness, love and a beautiful smile. Her caring for others and the love she gave to all her family as Grandma and Mom will never be forgotten. God has another beautiful Angel.

Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday, December 23, 2013 at Second Reformed Church in Pekin. Pastor Bill Appleyard-Pekich will officiate. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Burial will follow the funeral in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Second Reformed Church general fund, 600 State Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com