Irene Jean Johnson

Irene Jean Johnson, 88, of Nokomis passed away peacefully on Friday, November 8, 2024, at her home with family at her side.

Born January 30,1936 in Pana, Illinois to Lawrence and Elvira (Jachino) Vernetti, Irene grew up in Wenonah and attended Nokomis High School graduating with the Class of 1953. Irene and Melvin Johnson, the love of her life, were married on April 16, 1955, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Nokomis and he preceded her in death on December 15, 2015.

After graduating high school, Irene went to work as a secretary in St. Louis and came back to Nokomis and began work at Hedlund Ski Factory. After she and Melvin were married, she was a loving housewife and homemaker. She was a kind, loving Mother and was described by her children as a character.

Irene’s faith and church were so very important to her. She was a talented quilter and was a member of the St. Louis Catholic Church Quilters. She was well known for her beautiful, hand stitched quilts which many were awarded Blue Ribbons. She had designed over 200 quilts, gifting many to family and friends which will be cherished forever. In addition to her quilting, she loved to crochet and if you were gifted with some of her beautiful crochet covered hangers you felt blessed. Irene was a wonderful cook and loved to garden and can her harvest.

In addition to her husband, Melvin and her parents, she was preceded in death by granddaughter, Kayla Schneider and sister, Judith Unsell.

Irene is survived by her children, Karen (Jay) Schneider of Rosamond, Linda (Jim) Dooley of Nokomis, Daniel (Linda) Johnson of Farmersville and Steven (Katie) Johnson of Nokomis; grandchildren, Joshua (Kelsey) Schneider of Pana, Kimberly (Logan) Williams of Pawnee, Vincent (Miranda) Johnson of Divernon, Clark (Meg) Johnson of Auburn and Luke Johnson and Paul Johnson both of Nokomis; great grandchildren, Ethan Schneider, Allie Schneider, Hudson Williams and Lucy Johnson and brother-in-law, Tom Unsell, Sr of Rocklin, Ca.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the St. Louis Catholic Church, 311 South Elm Street, Nokomis, Illinois. Funeral Mass will be Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 10:00 AM also at the St. Louis Catholic Church.

Memorials are suggested the St. Louis Catholic School or Quad County Hospice; 8 Huber Street, Pana, IL 62557.

Online condolences can be left at stiehldawsonfh.com

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