Bernard Dale Johnson

Bernard “Bernie” Johnson, 88, passed away on March 11, 2026, surrounded by family. Bernie was born in 1937 in Peoria, IL. He grew up on his family’s farm on Smithville Road, where he lived for nearly 75 years.

He was a graduate of Limestone High School, class of 1955. He worked for Byerly Aviation, Keystone Steel, and Wire and CILCO (Central Illinois Light Company), where he retired after 32 years of service. He continued to work on the family farm until it was sold in 2012.

He and his wife Judie then relocated to Plainfield, IL to be closer to family. He loved spending time with his family. Bernie was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting. His favorite sport was baseball, and he was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan. He was a member of the CILCO bowling team.

He was a member of the local Hot Rod Club in Peoria, and was able to convince his dad to allow them to build a dragstrip on the family farm. The dragstrip operated commercially until the mid-1970’s.

Bernie was preceded in death by his father Henry, his mother Carrie, and his brothers Delmer, Leland and Leonard.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Judie (O’Malley) Johnson, his son Larry (Rosie) of Aurora, IL, his daughter Laurie (Jim) Pacanowski of Plainfield, IL; his grandchildren Marie (Patrick) Silvia, Zachary (Jackie) Pacanowski, Stephen Johnson, Aaron (Samantha) Johnson, and Jason Pacanowski; his great grandchildren Aubriana, Charlotte, Louis, Remy, and Oliver.

The funeral service will be held on March 21, 2026 at St John’s Lutheran Church 6614 W. Smithville Rd. Bartonville, IL 61607 with internment at the church cemetery. The visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to the time of service at noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church Bartonville, Illinois.