Steve Johnson of Polo, IL, age 78 died peacefully on May 8, 2025 at OSF St. Katherine’s in Dixon, IL. He was born January 3, 1947 in Rockford, IL to Paul and Ruby Johnson.
He married the love of his life, Sonja Johnson on April 11, 1970 and was married until her passing on August 26, 1988. They had 3 beautiful girls, Sara, Samantha and Stephanie. Steve drove for Consolidated Freightways for over 30 years until his retirement in 2000. He later married Vonda (Bardell) Craig in August 1999 until her passing on March 1, 2007.
Steve enjoyed fishing and golfing and absolutely loved telling stories from his youth. If you ever needed a movie or TV trivia question answered, he was your guy! He enjoyed playing cards with the guys and cribbage. Most of all, he loved his girls & grandkids. That’s when his face lit up.
He is survived by his daughters; Sara (Scott) Thorngren of Milledgeville, Samantha (Mike) Olsen of Polo, Stephanie (Matthias) Kemmeren of Dixon, sister, Terry Skogsberg of Rockford. grandson, Devon (Haylee) Plachno of Rock Falls, granddaughters, Siena and Alexis Kemmeren, Linnea and Britt Thorngren, step-grandchildren, Terry (Franny) Olsen, Nichole (Zeb) Harris, great grandchildren, Lilyann and Elijah Plachno, many step great grandchildren and niece, Patty Beman.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Jeff’s Refs in Polo. Please come share a favorite story or memory and perhaps a drink with Steve’s family and friends. The family would like to extend a huge thank you to the amazing staff in the ICU Department at OSF St. Katherine’s in Dixon for the great care and compassion given to Steve during his time there.
Cremation rights have been established.
A memorial has been established at First State Bank Shannon-Polo in Polo.
Condolences may be sent to pffh.condolences@gmail.com.
