Desmond Howard Johnson's Obituary
Desmond Howard Johnson, 101, of Naples, FL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Francis Georgeson Hospice House. Formerly of Rockford, IL and Elkhorn, WI, Des had made Naples his home since 2010.
Born October 16, 1924, in Rockford, IL, he was the son of the late Carl and Violet (Sexton) Johnson. A proud World War II veteran, Des served honorably in the United States Navy from 1943–1946 aboard a LCI, Landing Craft Infantry vessel in the Pacific Theater—an experience that shaped his deep love of the water and enduring patriotism.
Following his military service, Des built a successful career as a tool and die maker before purchasing Bernie Machine and Tool, which he operated with dedication for 35 years until his retirement. Known for his sharp mind, steady hands, and strong work ethic, he earned the respect of colleagues across the industry and was an active member of the Tool & Die Association.
An avid outdoorsman, Des felt most at home in or near the water. He embraced life with enthusiasm—scuba diving, windsurfing, sailing, swimming and biking well into his later years. He enjoyed the fellowship of the Lauderdale Lakes Sailing Club, Gulf Coast Veterans & Friends, and the Rockford Divers Association, forming lifelong friendships along the way.
Des is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Joan M. (Friedman) Johnson; his children, Joan (William) White of Naples, FL, Cheryl (Jens Wagener) Friedland of Germany, Susan Law of West Lake, LA, and Julie (Christopher) Linhart of Derby, KS; twelve grandchildren; seventeen great‑grandchildren; and two great‑great‑grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his children Michael Johnson, Susan Shotliff, and Rita Lundstrum; by his sisters, Marge Gasch and Carolyn Prescott; and grandchildren, Brian White and Erin White.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples, FL 34108. Inurnment will follow in the church memorial garden.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Des’ name may be made to Gulf Coast Veterans & Friends, Fleischmann Park Community Center, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples, FL 34102 or to Vets Roll, Inc.. P.O. Box 26, Beloit, WI 53512-0026.
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