Michael D. “Mike” Johnson, 83, of Galesburg, died at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.
He was born July 16, 1942, in Galesburg, the son of James Eugene “Gene” and Wandalee (Herrington) Johnson. He married Marjorie J. “Margie” Yelm on June 12, 1970, in Spokane, Washington.
Surviving is his wife of over 55 years, Margie; daughters, Lisa (Rick) Brazee of North Carolina, Wendi Hughs of Galesburg, and Mitzi (Rob) Hohulin of Tremont; 11 grandchildren, Melissa Conklin, Daniel Reynolds, Adam Hughs, Michael Hughs, Sean Brazee, Molliejean Frakes, Lillee Flynn, and Grant, Grace, Gage, Lauren, and Luke Hohulin; 16 great grandchildren; siblings, Jackie Cadwell of Knoxville, Colleen (Joe) Tribley of Galesburg, Rod Johnson of Galesburg, and Sherry (Larry) Ashby of Abingdon; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jim Johnson; and sister, Gail Soper.
Mike was a hard worker who never really retired. He worked at OMC/Gale Products for 16 years until their closure, then at Admiral/Maytag until their closure. He had a brief stint at Gates Rubber Company and he and Margie operated Mike’s Zephyr gas station on Grand Avenue. He also worked for JR Wrecking and Stuber Land Design in “retirement”.
Mike was a member of the Galesburg High School Class of 1960. He served in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1962. Mike was an active member of First Church of God, where he was a member of the security team. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and hunting and tinkering in his garage workshop.
Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, November 10, 2025, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services of Galesburg. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First Church of God or OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
