Lori L. Johanson

Lori L. Johanson, 48, of Carlinville, IL, passed away peacefully at home around 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 3, 2025, surrounded by family. She fought courageously for nine years and 2 months with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer that ultimately spread to her brain and beyond. True to her fearless spirit, Lori left this world with a smile on her face, her eyes lifted toward Heaven—ready for her next great adventure.

She attended Auburn High School but graduated from Lutheran High School in Springfield (better basketball and track). She then attended and received her bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and later earned her master’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Aurora University. She dedicated her career to helping others live fuller, more confident lives.

Her professional path was anything but conventional. Lori ran a daycare in Pasadena, CA, worked with the Girl Scouts of America, and led wilderness expeditions across the country and into Mexico Baha caves on the Pacific Ocean while working for Phoenix Adventures in San Diego, CA. She took a group on a 100-mile trek into Canada in canoes. She was also a skilled canoe guide on the Snake River, a tech rope instructor, a half marathon runner, a camp counselor, BMX rider, a snowboarder and surfer.

She taught children with disabilities how to paddle a canoe and shoot hoops with confidence, led teens on transformative three-week expeditions into the wilderness of the Appalachian Mountains, where she worked with at-risk youth to give them skills—and hope—instead of a path to juvenile detention. She held roles in California, Nevada, and Virginia, including a season at Yellowstone National Park. She also spent time tracking black bears, cougars, and coyotes in the wild. She even hunted turtles in the hot summer sun of Nevada’s desert for research data.

Lori returned to Illinois to put down roots and raise a family. In Springfield, she became the heart and soul of places like Firehouse Tavern and Crows Mill Pub—lighting up every room with her infectious laugh and fearless energy. She was camp director of the YMCA in Chicago and camp director at the Girl Scout camp in Springfield. Her last place of work was being a scout for Maxi-Yield Consultant Service with Bill, her stepdad. She even went back to school at LLCC to gain more knowledge about agronomy. This kept her outdoors in the sunshine.

She is survived by her beloved children, Morgan Carrino, currently attending Illinois College, and Joey Carrino of Auburn, working at Freedom in Virden—her proudest accomplishments. She fulfilled her deepest goal of living long enough to see both of them graduate high school. She also leaves behind her ex-husband, Mike Carrino, who has remained an active and loving presence in their children’s lives.

Lori is also survived by her parents, Kay and Bill Craig of Carlinville, and her father, George Johanson of Springfield. She will be deeply missed by her brothers: Robert Schramm and his wife, Linda Schramm of Palmyra, and their children Taylor and Ty; and Todd Johanson, his wife, Lauren Johanson, and their daughter, Emerson, of Salt Lake City, UT.

For all who knew and loved Lori, we invite you to remember her laugh, her wild stories, and her belief that life is meant to be lived boldly. Her spark lives on in every trail blazed, every child mentored, and every heart she touched. Rest easy, Lori. You were truly one of a kind.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Lincoln Land Community College for “Lori Johanson Memorial Scholarship Fund”.

Lori’s life will not be celebrated with a traditional funeral, as per her wishes. A private memorial was held at home.

The family will host a Celebration of Life from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Firefighters Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr., Springfield. All are welcome to celebrate and share memories of Lori.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Chatham, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham.