William J. Johnson

William "Bill" J. Johnson of Indianapolis, passed fully into the arms of his faithful Savior, Jesus Christ November 30, 2012 at the age of 88. Bill is survived by his wife of 67 years Phyllis; children Robert (Patti) and Linda (Paul) Rose; grandchildren Bob, Tim, Charlie, Sean, and Dawne; 8 great-grandchildren; and siblings John and Conrad Johnson, Virginia Poltrock and Katherine Laffin. He was preceded in death by his siblings Genevive Leslie, Raymond and Eddie Johnson. Bill was born on the north side of Chicago to Eddie and Kathryne (Schlanger). He grew up loving cars and working on them. With a keen sense of working with tools, he became a tool and die maker and worked in related areas in factories his entire career. He met his bride at work in Cicero, IL and they were married in 1945. After living with his parents to save the necessary money to purchase a home, they bought their first home in Niles, IL. Later, they moved to Westchester, IL where they adopted their two children, Linda (1957) and Bob (1961) In all their years in the Chicago area, they spent time living in Arlington Heights, Addison and Schaumburg. A dream of his wife was to move to Florida, so while still in his working years, Bill took his bride to Florida where they enjoyed over 20 years working, playing and enjoying the beautiful sun and Florida lifestyle. When Phyllis began to have health problems related to dementia, they moved to Indianapolis to be closer to family. Bill loved the Lord and the Church. They were members of Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Westchester, IL for over 30 years where he served as church treasurer for many years along with being a Deacon. In Florida, Bill also served as Deacon at Grace Presbyterian Church. Bill had been attending the Bridge Church in Fortville, IN. In many ways, Bill was a shy man, but with a hospitality loving wife, he regularly opened his home for family and church gatherings. He liked to travel and family vacations were taken regularly in Florida and occasionally to South Carolina to be with family. His dream of traveling across the country finally happened when they drove from Florida to California and had the opportunity to see many things he had only dreamed about. Bill was a gentle, loyal, hard-working man who loved the Lord. He was extremely devoted to his beloved bride, Phyllis and always made her care his top priority. He sought to love the Lord and love others – particularly his family and has left a legacy of that love. Bill's son, Bob wrote a piece for a church paper about his Dad for Father's Day and this will give a window of insight into the life of Bill and his most important roles, husband and father. Ten Things My Dad Taught Me 1. Turn off the lights I can't begin to tell you how many times I heard the line: "someday when you kids have your own home, you'll turn off the lights because YOU will have to pay the electric bill!" He was right! I am still turning off the lights and I must confess that my own sons have heard that line a time or two! Thank you Dad. 2. Put oil in the car My Dad knows cars. He used to be able to tell what car was coming down the street just by the sound of it. He could change a head gasket, a universal joint, a master cylinder or a fuel filter. I am still at the place where I could not identify any of them. My Dad must have given up on my ability to know and fix cars so he left me with the most important directive: keep oil in it and make sure you change it regularly. Thank you Dad and thank you Jiffy Lube! 3. Work hard and provide for your family My Dad was a provider for his family. He worked extremely hard and he did what it took to provide --- even if it meant more work. When I married my Bride and we had children, I knew I wasn't making enough, but because of the work ethic my Dad instilled in me, I worked two and sometimes three jobs so that I could provide. Thank you Dad. 4. Finish your education My Dad did not go to college and had a high value that I would go to and finish college. Maybe it was due to my inability to work with any tools! It became an expectation for which I am very grateful and instilled in my own sons. Thanks Dad. 5. Stop to have Slurpees I would never ask my Dad to stop and get a treat, but he had a real knack for saying, "you want a Slurpee!?" I loved those words as we pulled into the 7-11. If it was before dinner, we were sworn to secrecy so Mom wouldn't know. A Slurpee isn't the biggest thing in the world, but there is just something about getting brain freeze in the car with your Dad that you will never forget. My boys and I have had our share of treats in the car and Mom hasn't always known either! Thank you Dad. 6. How to navigate through the hardware store We had a True Value Hardware near our home and I made countless trips on my bike to get a tool, a gadget, a nut, a board or whatever. When I would depart, my Dad would know virtually what shelf it was on. I was amazed at his internal GPS system for this store. Years later I would observe him telling Home Depot workers where their inventory is. I still am not a great hardware store navigator, but I can find my way around the internet and I don't have to carry it home on a bike. Thanks Dad! 7. Play catch My Dad wasn't into sports, but he must have seen a sparkle in my eye for them. In Chicago, they used a 16" softball and at a very early age I remember him taking me in the yard and playing catch. I always loved those times. He took me to my first Cubs game even though he wasn't a fan. He took me to see the Bears and the Bulls as well. These were great connecting points for which I am grateful and have always sought out with my own sons. Thanks Dad! 8. Always mow and shovel a little more My Dad always taught me to mow a couple rows of the neighbor's yard and shovel down their sidewalk so they knew we cared. I have to admit at the time, I didn't care since it meant more work, but the value of going the extra mile to show people you care is a value I have held close and passed on to my sons. Thank you Dad. 9. Be a Good Brother My Dad's siblings haven't always gotten along with each other, but everyone loved and respected him. He was always there to help with a tender and giving heart. He has inspired me to be a good brother. Thank you Dad. 10. Be a Devoted Husband Devotion to another person "until death do us part" is a diminishing value in our society. I have watched my Dad care for my Mom in remarkable ways since Alzheimer's invaded her life and their marriage. She had unique needs and no matter how tired he was, what kind of aches and pains he had --- she was his Bride and he would care for her. He still does. Sometimes we see true love in the eyes of the newlyweds. I see it clearly in the eyes of my Dad. Thanks Dad. Visitation will be held Sunday, December 2 from 3:30-6:30 PM at Flanner and Buchanan – Washington Park East, 10722 E. Washington St, Indianapolis. Funeral Services will be held 10:30 AM Monday, December 3 at Flanner and Buchanan with entombment following at Washington Park East Cemetery. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan