Vicki Lynn (Haswell) Johnson, 76, of Biggsville, IL, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on May 24, 1949, in Elmhurst, IL, the beloved daughter of Edgar T. Haswell, Jr. and Phyllis L. (Holford) Haswell. She graduated from Richmond-Burton High School in Richmond, IL, and went on to attend the Christ Community Hospital School of Nursing in Oak Lawn, where she distinguished herself as Valedictorian of her class. Vicki later continued her education at Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, IL, further exemplifying her dedication to academic and professional excellence.
On July 5, 1970, Vicki married Richard Johnson in Richmond, IL; he survives.
Vicki dedicated many years of her life to a fulfilling career as a Registered Nurse, serving with compassion and professionalism at several esteemed healthcare institutions. Her work included positions at Community Hospital in Eldora, Iowa; Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet, IL; school nurse for the Elwood School District in Elwood, IL; and Great River Medical Center in Burlington, IA. In the later years of her career, she provided comfort and care to patients and their families at the Great River Hospice House in Burlington, a role that reflected her deep empathy and unwavering commitment to others.
Vicki was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church in Burlington, IA, where she faithfully served in several roles included singing in the choir. She also taught Sunday School and served as a Ruling Elder in churches that her husband pastored in. Her dedication to her faith and her church community was evident in all that she did, reflecting a life grounded in service, leadership, and spiritual commitment.
Vicki lived a rich and fulfilling life, marked by countless accomplishments and joyful contributions to her community. She was proudly crowned the McHenry County 4-H Queen and later served as a dedicated Jackson County 4-H Leader. Always generous with her time and talents, she prepared dinners for the Joliet Township High School Football Team. A gifted craftswoman, Vicki delighted in creating Raggedy Ann & Andy dolls, stuffed animals, Cabbage Patch dolls, and Beanie Babies, spreading warmth and cheer through her handmade treasures. She was an active member of both the Elwood School Boosters Club and the Biggsville PC Campfire Girls. Perhaps most memorably, Vicki brought smiles as “L’Wheezy the Clown” at the Pediatric Department of Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet, where she lovingly taught children with asthma how to properly use inhalers and manage their condition with confidence and courage.
Surviving Vicki is her husband, Richard Johnson of Biggsville, IL; her children, Matthew T. (Christine LaChance) Johnson of Joliet, IL, Krista R. (Nathan) DeHaan of Brainerd, MN; her grandchildren, John DeHaan, Cara DeHaan, Jordan Johnson, Madison Johnson, Christopher Johnson, Kayla Bogda, and Tommy LaChance; and her great granddaughter, Lilliana Lukas. Also surviving is her sister, Donna (Harold) Harm of Spencer, WI; her brother, James Haswell of Marshfield, WI; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Linda Jones.
Funeral Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church (321 N 5th St, Burlington, IA 52601). Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Church. The Funeral Service will be live streamed on the church’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stpresb. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service. Interment will be in Biggsville Cemetery, Biggsville, IL. Memorials can be made to First Presbyterian Church Chapel Restoration Fund and can be sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
