Carl Jay Johnson

Carl Jay Johnson, 75, of Galesburg, died on Wednesday, July 17, 2019, 3:06 AM, at the Galesburg Cottage Hospital.  Carl was born on February 4, 1944, in Chicago. He was the son of Carl C. and Genevive E. (Boyce) Johnson. Carl is survived by his five children, Rebecca Johnson of Wheaton, Robert (Sinead) Johnson of Lisle, Denise (Richard) Dechow of Galesburg, Mark (Diane) Johnson of Downers Grove, and Jennifer (Craig) Ihrke of Minnesota; a sister, Joyce McPhee of Oak Lawn; and, eleven grandchildren, Christopher, Liam, Declan, Jack, Nicholas, Emma, Patrick, Clare; Benjamin, Kathleen and Luke. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, George.  Carl worked as an Operations Manager for Minerallac for 20 years. He then worked as a sheriff’s deputy for the Cook County Sheriff’s Department until his retirement. Carl was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. He was also a member of the Galesburg Rifle Club. Carl enjoyed watching movies at home, shooting at the rifle range, and listening to music, his favorite was from the 50’s era. Most of all he loved to spend time with his grandchildren, especially taking them boating or having bonfires at his house.    A funeral mass will be held on Friday, July 19, 2019, 2 PM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Galesburg. Cremations rites will be accorded following mass. A burial of cremated remains will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted with Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. In lieu of flowers memorials may be donated to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.