Mr. Gary L. “PeeWee” Johnson, 67, of Galesburg, Illinois died 2:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born December 4, 1956, in Galesburg to Verne L. and Grace Maxine (Craig) Johnson. He married Debbie J. Erwin on March 18, 1978, in Galesburg.
Surviving is his wife of 46 years, Debbie of Galesburg, a daughter, Ashley J. (and Travis D.) Hess of Princeville, a brother, Craig L. (and Lori L.) Johnson of Peoria, Illinois, two grandsons, Taylor D. Hess and Austin J. Hess and a niece, Jordan L. Johnson.
Gary graduated from Galesburg High School in 1976. He worked for Shottenkirk Chevy Garage in Abingdon for six years. He worked for Southards Tree Experts in Galesburg for ten years. In 1987 he began working for the city of Galesburg. He started in the street division until he established the forestry division in 1996. He worked in the forestry division until his retirement in 2015. He was a certified arborist and member of the International Society of Arborist. He was a member of the Illinois Municipal Arborist Organization. The City of Galesburg received several awards from the Tree City U.S.A. Awards and Tree Growth Awards because of Gary’s hard work and passion as an arborist. He also established the city of Galesburg’s tree nursery. Gary was a hard worker and enjoyed the outdoors. He loved his family, especially his grandsons. He was very proud of his daughter, Ashley, and was involved in all of her activities. Gary, or PeeWee, as some would call him, will be missed by all who knew him. The family would like to thank the OSF Hospice staff for their compassionate care, especially “His Girls”, Amy and Jenny.
Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 22, 2024, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel. Cremation will follow the visitation. Memorials may be made to the family for a charity to be selected later. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
